SF 

951 

t/55 
IJ0G> 








ARMY HORSE 

IN 

ACCIDENT AND DISEASE 




A MANUAL 

PREPAFIED FOR THE USE OF STUDENTS OF THE 

TRAINING SCHOOL FOR FARRIERS 

AND HORSESHOERS 

BY THE 

TRAINING SCHOOL INSTRUCTORS 

iaoa 






:-^^M 





Class. 
Book- 






THE ARMY HORSE 



ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 



A MANUAL 

PREPARED FOR THE USE OF STUDENTS OF THE TRAINING SCHOOL 
FOR FARRIERS AND HORSESHOERS 



TRAINING SCHOOL INSTRUCTORS. 



SCHOOL OF APPLICATIOX FOR CAVALRY A\D FIELD ARTILLERY 



FORT RILEY, KANSAS. 



WASHINGTON: 

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 

1906. 



^AR DEPAETMENT, 

Document No. 274. 
Office of Chief of Staff. 



I 7 1806 
0. ot D, 



^ 






PHEFACE. 



This manual, as originally compiled by Alexander Plummer, D. V. S.. 
veterinarian, Fourth Cavalry, and Eichard H. Power, V. S., veterina- 
rian, Artillery Corps, was published in 1903. In this edition the work 
has been revised by the compilers, assisted by Charles H. Jewell, 
D. V. M., veterinarian, Thirteenth Cavalry, and Capt. Geo. H. Cameron, 
Fourth Cavalry, secretary. 

Matter from the companion text-book, " The Army Horseshoer," has 
been substituted in several places for that of the original. 

An original chapter on Tropical Diseases, by Veterinarian Jewell, 
and many illustrations from photographs and drawings, have been 
added. 

Captain Cameron, in addition to his work on the revision of the text, 
made the original drawings and prepared the others for reproduction. 
His valuable assistance is here acknowledged. ^ 

The majority of the photographic work was done by First Lieut. 
S. B. Pearson, Ninth Cavalrj^. 

The arrangement of the text has been adapted to the course of prac- 
tical instruction, and the language, as far as possible, to study by men 
who, as a rule, have had limited educational advantages. 

School of Application fok Cavalry and Field iVRTiLLERv, 
Fort Riley, Kans., Dccemhcr 30. IDOo. 



AUTHOKITIES C0:N"SULTED. 



BuKEAU OF Animal Industry: Special Report on Diseases of the Horse. 
Cadiot : A Treatise on Veterinary 'I'lierapenties of the ]Joniestie 

Animals. 
CiiAUVEAU : Comparative Anatomy of Domesticated Animals. 
Dun : Veterinary Medicines, Their Actions and Uses. 
Fleming: Operative Veterinary Surgery. 
Friedburger ano Kkoii.nek: Pathology and Therapeutics of the Domestic 

Animals. 
Law : Veterinary Medicine. 
LiAUTARD : ?klannal of A'eterinary Surgery. 
-MoLLER : Operative Veterinarj- Surgery. (Translation.) 
Xeumann : Parasites and Parasitic Diseases of the Domesticated 

Animals. 
Quitman: Notes on Veterinary- Mi'diciiu'. 
Smith : Veterinary Hjgiene. 
Smith : A ilanual of Veterinary J'hysiology. 
Strangeway : Veterinary Anatomy. 

^YiLLiAMs: Principles and Practice of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery. 
Win SLOW : Plater ia Medica. 
\Vv>rAN : Diagnosis of Lameness in the Ihn-.-e. 

(4) 



co]^te:n^ts. 



Chapter I. — Conformation and Points. Defects and Blemishes. 
II. — Stable Management of the Sick and In.jured. 
III. — Anatomy. 

IV. — Administration of Medicines. Weights and Measures. 
V. — Wounds, Sprains, Bruises, Abrasions, and Abscesses. 
VI. — Diseases of the Res^ratory System and Influenza. 
VII. — Diseases of the Digestive, Urinary', Nervous, and Lym- 
phatic Systems. 
VIII. — Miscellaneous Diseases. 
IX. — Diseases of the Skin and Eye. 
X. — Diseases of the Feet. 
XL — Diseases of Bone, and Detection of Lameness. 
XII. — Tropical Diseases. 
XIII. — Medicines, their Actions and Uses. 

(5) 



LIST OF illxtstratio:n^s. 



Frontispiece. — Attendance at (operation. 
Plate T. — Points of the horse. 
II. — The horse in slings. 
III. — Skeleton of the horse. 
IV. — Muscles and tendons of the horse. 

V. — Respiratory apjiaratiis. 
VI. — Digestive apparatus. 
VII. — Circulatory apparatus. 
VIII. — Section of the ej^e. 

IX. — Section of the hoof and pastern. 
X. — Fig. 1, Curb. Fig. 2, Bursal enlargement. Fig. 3, Sprain of 
the flexor tendons (bowed tendons). Fig. 4, Line firing. 
Fig. 5, Capped hoclc. 
XI.— Fig. 1, Fistulous withers. Fig. 2, Poll evil. 
XII. — Characteristic sj'mptoms of spasmodic colic. 
XIII. — Lj^mphangitis. 
XIV. — Purpura hemorrhagica. 

XV.— Farcy. 
XVI.— Tetanus. 
XVII.— Grease. 
XVIII. — Fig. 1, Sidebone. Fig. 2. Itingbone. Fig. 3, Bone spavin. 
Fig. 4, Splint. 
XTX. — Surra: characteristic swellings. 

XX. — Surra jiai-asite. 
XXI. — Chronic epizootic lymphangitis ( ti'0])ical). 

(6) 



d -^ 



c . 

o -f^ 

u o 

o o 

o ^ 





C 

c 
o 


i.f 


a; 

• r-H 
+^ 

CO 


o 


•1— I 

a) 

O 


o 
o 


o 


Chestnu 
Cannon. 
Fetlock : 




g 


-(J 

O 


o 
o 


GO 


So 


C5 O 






CO 


•* 
-* 




LO O t-^ 

Tjl Tfl Tf 


00 


C5 


d 


>n 



H 








CO 








« 








O 








K 








H 


hd 






W 


o 






H 


.3 


. 




P^ 


p.1 


1; 




O 


o 
CO 


c5 




CO 




^ 




H 




^H 




^ 




c . 


cc ^ 


1— 1 
O 




"2 ^ 


•5 c 


(1^ 




S o 


o ^ 



.£3 rr - 



^ -^ >i "t: •- "S 



rt o 43 'S ^ 
B O P^ pq «2 



- -: > 

^ o s 



S ? C3 -p 



fH 0) « C S 



> P 02 <1 r^ o ^ a 



H Ph o M o fi* 
• so 



^ o 



r-2 ,5 !-i *^ 

g a5 01 -fJ '3 ;» 
o ^^ p ^ u 



jj Cj -p ^ 



S ^ S ^ H' ;i; w R 6 ^ p:; 



cS O >j O c3 



^ - 

O ,£3 



^- ^ ? '^' 



o o H 



THffJCOTjllOtOt^OOCld 



CD 0/ -^^ O 

p " ■ 

1-5 



^ P5 



Ci CC CO -:f >A t~ 



(7) 



THE ARMY HORSE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE, 



CHAPTER I. 



COXPOR3IATION AND POINTS- DEFECTS AND BLEMISHES. 

CONFORMATION AND POINTS, 

(Plate I.) 

The forehead should be broad and not bnlg-ing ; the eyes full, 
clear, and prominent, with a mild expression, and not showino- 
any of the white ; the muzzle not too large, as a coarse, large 
muzzle indicates ill breeding ; the nostrils large and open ; the 
face straight; and the lower jaw with ample width between 
the two sides, for the development and play of the larynx 
(Adam's apple) and windpipe, and, in addition, to allow the 
head to be nicely bent on the neck. 

The ears should be of medium size, set well on the head 
and held erect. 

The parotid and submaxillary regions should be free from 
large glands and without any loose skin at the lower part of 
the throat. 

The neck should be of moderate length, clean, and not too 
narrow at a point just in rear of the throat; a short, thick neck 
does not allow of free movement from side to side, and a long, 
slim neck is apt to be too pliable. The point of the shoulder 
should be well developed. The point of the elbow should not 
be turned in, as the horse in that case is apt to turn his toes 
out; the opposite conformation results in the condition called 
"pigeontoed." 

The forearm should be long and muscular; the knee broad, 
and, when looked at from the front, much wider than the limb 
above and below but tapering off backward to a comparatively 
thin edge. A bending of the knee backward is called a "calf 
knee,'' and is very objectionable. The opposite condition is 
known as "knee sprung."' 

The cannon should be of uniform size; if smaller just below 
the knee than elsewhere (a condition called "tied in"), weak- 
ness is to be expected. 



10 THE AK.MY IIOliSK. 

The fetlock joint should be of good size and clean : the [)as- 
terns of moderate length, and forming an angle of between 45 
and 50 degrees with the ground or floor. 

The foot should be of moderate size; a flat foot or one too 
narrow at the heels is objectionable. 

The relative proportions of the shoiUders and the exact shape 
desirable vary considerabh' in cavahy and artiller}' horses. 
Thus, Avhen speed and acti^■it3' are essential, as in the cavalry 
horse, the shoulder should be oblique (sloping), as this shape 
gives elasticity to the gait of the horse. For the artiller}^ horse, 
working in harness, a more upright shoulder bears the pressure 
of the collar more evenl}', and when the collar is at right angle 
to the traces, the horse exerts his strength to the greatest ad- 
vantage. The front line of the shoulder must be clearly 
marked; an irregular surface or excessive muscular develop- 
ment in the region marked A (Plate I) prevents a close fit of 
the collar. 

The Avithers should not be thin and high, as this conforma- 
tion will allow the saddle to slip too far forward and the 
pommel will rest upon the withers. The bars of the saddle 
Avill be forced against the shoulder blades, causing irritation 
and inflammation, and preventing free motion of the shoulders ; 
the constraint causes stumbling. On the other hand the with- 
ers should not be low or thick, as the saddle is then apt to pinch 
them. 

The breast and chest should be of moderate width and have 
considerable depth; the narrow chest indicates Aveakness, and 
the wide, heav}^ chest is suitable for heavj^-draft horses only. 

The capacit}^ of the lungs is marked b}' the size of the chest 
at the girth, but the stamina will depend upon the length of 
the back ribs. The barrel should not be broad back of the 
cinch, as it would cause the cinch to slip forward and chafe 
the bod}^ just back of the point of the elbow. The opposite 
conformation would allow the saddle and cinch to slip iDack- 
ward. The back should be short, with muscles well developed, 
and the upper lines of the back bending down a little behind 
the withers and then swelling out very gently to the junction 
of the loins, which can hardly be too broad and muscular. 

The last rib should be placed close to the point of the hip, 
as this is an indication of strength, and the horse is more 
easily kept in good condition than one having the opposite 
conformation. 



THE ARMY HORSE. 11 

A slightly arched loin is essential to the power of carrjdng 
weight ; a much arched or "roach back" is almost sure to give 
luieasy action from its want of elasticit3\ The hips should be 
broad, smooth, and muscular. 

The quarter (thigh and buttock) and gaskin should be broad. 
The muscles of the two quarters should come close together, 
leaving no hollow below the anus; the widely separated con- 
formation is an indication of a want of constitution. 

The hock should be of good size, but clean and flat, and with 
a good clean point standing clear of the joint. The two hocks 
should stand well apart, but not enough to give the horse the 
appearance of being "bow-legged." "Cow-hockecl," so called, 
is when the hocks stand close together and the hind feet wide 
apart, with the toes turned out. 

The cannon should be short, not tied in below the hock, and 
the line from the point of the hock to the back part of the 
fetlock should be straight. 

The fetlock when bent forward is an indication of weakness 
known as "cocked ankle." The hind fetlocks, pasterns, and 
feet should correspond to those of the fore extremity, but the 
pasterns are usually more upright. 

The croup should slope slightly downward and be of moder- 
ate length; the dock large and muscular; the tail carried 
firmly and Avell away from the quarters. 

DEFECTS AND BLEMISHES. 

Defects and blemishes are those results of injuries (more or 
less severe) which show on the outside of the body. They are 
regarded as external diseases, and may be classed as f ollov/s : 

1. Diseases of bones. 

2. Diseases of synovial membranes. 

3. Diseases of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and skin. 
■i. Diseases of the foot. 

1. Diseases of hones. 

Bone spavin. — Location: Lower and inner part of the hock 
joint. 

SjjJints. — Location : Usually appearing on the inner side of 
the upper third of the front cannon; occasionally found on the 
outer side of the upper third of the hind cannon. 



12 THE AKMY HORSE. 

Sidehones (ossification of lateral cartilages). — Location: 
Sides of the foot just above the coronet. 
Ringhone. — Location: Between coronet and fetlock joint. 

2. Diseases of synoi'ldl memhriines. 

Bog spavin. — Location : Front part of hock joint. 

Thorough pin. — Location: Upper and back part of hock 
joint. 

Wind puffs (windgalls). — Location: On the sides of the 
tendons just above the fetlock joints. 

Other bursal enlargements (distended syno\ial sacs or 
pouches) may be found located on various parts of the legs, 
but no special name has been giA'en to them. 

3. Diseases of the muscles, tendons, Jigatnents, and skin. 

Poll evil. — Location : In the region of the poll. 

Fistulous withers. — Location: In the region of the withers. 

Siceeny (atrophy or wasting of the muscles). — Location: 
Usuall}' in the shoulder or the hip. 

Broken knees. — Location: Front part of the kneejoint. 

Cap)ped elbow. — Location : Point of the elbow. 

Capped hock. — Location : Point of the hock. 

Curh. — Location: Lower and back part of the hock. 

Sprung knees. — Location : Knees. 

Cocked anldes. — Location: Fetlock joints. 

Bowed tendons. — Location: Flexor tendons below the knee 
and hock. 

Breakdown. — Location: Sprain of the suspensory ligament. 

Saddle galls. — Location: On the saddle bed. 

Cinch galls. — Location : On the parts coming in contact with 
the cinch. 

Collar gcdls. — Location: On the parts coming in contact 
with the collar. 

If. Diseases of the foot. 

Thrush. — Location: Frog. 

Canker. — Location : Frog and sole. 

Chronic laminitis. — Location : Sensitive lamina?. 

Coim. — Location : Between the wall and bar. 

Quainter crack. — Location: Quarters of the hoof. 

Quittor. — Location : Top of the coronet. 

Contracted heels. — Location: Heels.. 

Toe cracks. — Location : At the toe of the hoof. 



CHAPTER II. 



STABLE MANAGEMENT OP THE SICK AND INJURED. 

CARE OF THE SICK. 

The sick horse shoukl. if practicabk^, be immediately removed 
to a hirge, clean, light and well- ventilated box stall, free from 
drafts and located as far as possible from other horses. Clean 
bedding should be provided, and the stall kept free from 
manure and moisture. If such a stall can not be provided a 
double stall, with the kicking bar removed and ropes or bars 
placed across the front of it, will answer the purpose. 

If the patient is suffering from a febrile disease (fever) dur- 
ing the cold season of the year, paulins or horse covers can be 
hung up in such a manner as to serve as a protection from 
drafts, care being taken to allow sufficient air to enter this im- 
provised box stall. Such pa,tients must be clothed according 
to the season of the year, the blanket drawn well forward on the 
neck and fastened in front, the legs, after hand-rubbing, band- 
aged with red flannels. The bandages should be changed 
several times daily, and the legs thoroughly rubbed to stimu- 
late circulation. 

Horses with diseases of the nervous system require to be kept 
absolutely quiet, and must be removed as far as possible from 
all noise. It is preferable that only one man be allowed to 
attend to their wants, as a change of attendants Avould very 
likely cause excitement and thus increase the severity of the 
disease. Animals suffering from debilitating diseases should 
be tempted with and fed any food that is rich in nourishment 
and easily digested. It should be given only in such quantities 
as the animal will readily eat, and any portion left over should 
be at once removed, as food constantly' placed before a sick 
animal will have a tendenc}^ to deprive it of all appetite. 
Food that is wet, such as bran mashes or steamed oats, will soon 
sour in warm weather and will get cold or may freeze during 
the winter; if eaten in these conditions it may cause diarrhea 
colic, etc. Feed boxes, water buckets, and all parts of the stall 

(13) 



14 THE ARMY HORSE. 

must bo kept clean and free from odor. The hay shoukl be 
clean and brii>lit. and only the best given to the sick animal. 
Pure water should be provided, and placed in such a j^osition as 
to enable the animal to reach it without difficulty ; a sick horse 
will frequently rinse the lips and mouth with water if given 
the opi^ortunitv, even when not thirsty. The water should be 
changed as often as necessary during the day to insure a pure 
and fresh suppl}^ at all times. 

A horse suffering from colic requires sufficient space, well 
bedded, to prevent injuring himself by rolling during a spasm 
of pain. A man should be constantly in attendance, as there 
is danger that the animal may b(H-oiue cast and Ix' unable to get 
up Avithout assistance. 

Undigested matter l)eing the exciting cause in almost all cases 
of colic, food should be withheld for about tAvelve hours after 
all pain has disappeared, and then given only in small quanti- 
ties during the next twenty-four hours, after which the ordi- 
nary ration may be resumed. A few swallows of pure Avater 
ma}' be given at short intervals, but special care must be taken 
when the water is very cold. 

The pulse is the beating of the arteries, usually felt at the jaw 
(the submaxillary artery), and is an important guide in deter- 
mining the physical condition of the animal ; the normal pulsa- 
tions are about 40 per minute. The coimt is best taken by 
placing the fore or middle finger transversely on the artery. 
The slightest excitement, when the horse is sick, will cause an 
alteration in the pulse; therefore the animal should be ap- 
proached very quietly. A strong and full pulse is an indica- 
tion of health. 

In the first stages of fever the pulse is full and boimding. 
afterwards becoming smrall and weak. A very slow j)ulse 
denotes disease or injury of the brain or spinal cord. An im- 
perceptible pulse indicates the approach of death. 

At rest the healthly horse breathes from 13 to 15 times per 
minute. Difficulty in breathing is a prominent symptom of 
disease of the i-espiratory organs; it may also be observed in 
some cases of flatulent colic. Abdominal breathing is the res- 
piratory movement performed with the ribs fixed as much as 
possible, owing to pain or mechanical obstruction in the chest. 
and is a symptom of pleurisy and hydrothorax (water in the 



THE ARMY HORSE. 15 

Irregular breathing is that condition where there is a want of 
harmonious correspondence between the inspirator}^ and expira- 
tory movements, and is observed in the disease commonly 
known as " broken wind " or " heaves/' The inspiratory move- 
ment in this affection is performed quickly and with jerky 
effort, while the expiratory movement is performed slowh^ and 
with a double action, more particularly of the abdominal 
muscles. Irregular breathing often becomes spasmodic or con- 
vulsive during the progress of the disease. 

The mean temperature of the horse in the internal part 
which is most easily accessible, the rectum, ma}^ be estimated 
at from 99° to 101° F. In yerj young animals the temperature 
is commonly about 101°, but in verj^ old ones it has been known 
to be as low as 96° F. The temperature of the external parts 
of the bod}' becomes lower according to their distance from the 
heart, and liable to much variation from the state of the sur- 
rounding atmosphere. 

The production of animal heat is due to certain chemical and 
vital changes which are continually taking place in the body; 
these changes consist in the absorption of oxj^gen by the capil- 
laries in the lungs, and the combination of that oxj^gen with 
the carbon and hydrogen derived (first) from the disintegra- 
tion of animal tissues and (second) from certain elements of 
the food which have not been converted into tissue. 

This combination with oxygen, or oxidation, not only takes 
place in the blood, wdiicli may be looked upon as a fluid tissue, 
but in the tissue cells also, in all parts of the bod}^, the animal 
heat being maintained by the natural changes wdiich are essen- 
tial to a healthy condition. 

As previously stated, ox3"gen is absorbed from the air by the 
capillaries of the lungs in respiration (breathing). Expired 
air is found to have lost about 10 per cent of the oxygen 
contained in pure air, and to have accumulated a like amount 
of a combination of carbon and oxygen, called carbonic acid 
gas. If we imagine the animal breathing and rebreathing the 
same air, it can be seen that the oxygen, so necessary for the 
purification of the blood, Avould soon diminish to a dangerous 
degree. Hence, we realize the importance of a large supply of 
air to draw on and the necessity of good ventilation. At each 
inspiration the horse draws about 250 cubic inches of air into 
the lungs, and he therefore requires about 2 cubic feet per 
minute, or 120 per hour. It is customary, in building ordinary 



16 THE AKMY HORSE. 

stables, to allow 1,G00 cubic feet of air space (over tAvelve hours' 
supph') for each animal, and to provide means of admitting 
fresh air without causing drafts. In infirmar}' stables the 
allowance is increased to 1,900 cubic feet. 

Without good air the blood is imperfectly purified, the 
vitality of the animal is lessened, he is more susceptible to 
disease, and will succumb more easily when attacked; conse- 
(juently, horses should never be kept in the vicinity of a marsh, 
the air froiu which contains an excess of carbonic acid gas 
and a diminished sujiply of the necessarj- oxygen. 

CARE OF THE IXJURED. 

If the horse is seriously injured and stands with difficulty, he 
should be placed in slings (Plate II.) to partially support the 
weight of the bod3\ The slings must be properly adjusted, fit-, 
ting closeh' behind the elbows in such a manner as to support 
the weight of the body on the chest and not on the abdomen. 
This position is maintained by the use of the breast piece and 
breeching, which prevent the shifting of the sling. A single 
stall, having a level floor, free from bedding, is more suitable 
than one allowing more motion to the animal. 

If the horse is but slightly injured, there is no necessity of 
l^lacing him in slings. An ordinary stall with a level floor is all 
that is required. After the injury has been dressed he should 
be allowed to stand without being disturbed. If very lame, and 
movement is painful, the more quiet he is kept the more quickly 
will recover}^ take place. Absolute rest and perfect quietude 
are two very essential things, and when secured they will 
hasten the process of recovery without inflicting unnecessary 
pain upon the animal. In some surgical cases it is necessary 
to restrain the animal so that he can not injure himself by 
rubbing or biting the all'ected parts. This can be accomi)lished 
by tying up the head, by the application of side lines, or b}^ 
the use of the cradle. Bandages may be applied to the legs 
of horses for three different purposes : First, to give support to 
the blood vessels and synovial bursse; second, as a vehicle for 
applving cold lotions; and third, for drying and warming the 
legs. 

WATER SlPl'LY. 

However harmless impure water may have been to animals 
in a wild state, the more Ave subject them to an arlificial exist- 



THE ARMY HORSE. 17 

ence the more we remove them from the immunity they may 
have possessed against common causes of disease and the 
greater liabilit}^ is there for the development of diseases which 
originally may never have existed. In other words, the 
domesticated animal should always have pure water; when 
the vitality is further reduced by sickness the necessity of 
absolute purity is even more imperative. 



CHAPTEr. III. 



ANATOMY. 



Anatomy is a description of the strnctures that make up the 
bod3\ 

THE SKELETON. 

(Plate ni.) 

The skeleton is the framework for the support of the softer 
structures, and is composed of 216 bones (exchisive of the teeth) 
of various sizes and forms. 

Flat bones, such as the skull, ribs and scapula, are found 
covering vital organs; long bones are found principally in the 
extremities, for the support of the body. 

The spinal column is composed of bones of very irregidar 
shaj^e, which are divided into five groups according to their 
location, and are known as vertebrae. Commencing at the back 
of the head, the first seven are called the cervical vertebra?, or 
bones of the neck; of these the first is called atlas., the second 
axis; the next eighteen are called the dorsal vertebrae, forhiing 
the main part of the back; the next six, the linnhar vertebra?, 
form the loins;' the croup or sacrum is composed of five bones. 
Avhich in the adult animal are united together as one bone; 
and following this are found the coccygeal or tail bones, num- 
l^ering from thirteen to twenty. All vertebr£e have irregular 
projections of varying length, called spinous frocesses; these 
are named, according to location, dorsal, cervical, etc. ; the 
third to sixth dorsal spinous processes (often called dorsal 
spines) are very long and form the withers. 
^ The ribs are eighteen on each side, attached above to the 
dorsal vertebra? and below, the first eight (true ribs) by 
cartilage to the sternum or breastbone; the remaining ten, 
known as false or floating ribs, are attached by cartilage to 
one another and indirectly to the sternum ; they form the walls 
of the chest and serve as a protection for the heart, lungs, and 
large blood vessels. 



■> -^ rC 



c3 

c ^ 



o ^ ■'V 









■+^ rti M ** . ^ CM ^ 



Ci ^ 'o 









.S :g .5 -^ ^ CL^ri -5 



O «S C-- 1— C>! Ot 



■j: 






*~i 


p 


O 


•^ 


^ 


CJj 




c3 


^ 


EM 


• r— 1 

O 


!R 


s 


K 


cS 



^ 5E 










o 






X3 






be 


OJ 


OJ 


X" 


e 




' ' 






^ K > r- o .i:; x 
>r - _^ " •'- ij I' :s r:: rt 



O- <5; >;■ &^" ;^ u H 



N 



Ph c 



5E 



cS j^ 0/ c c 



b£ S 

3 



-t^ o 



a; - 



" a 



< < 



c -^ ^ s o 



t/2 



i ^ o S c o 

2 - c ^' ^' 

- p! o3 rC ci c3 

? C fl ^ a a 

-=3 ra - O' 2 2 



r-T C 



;. C 'S r^i 



r-' 




Oj 


cS 






p- 


o 


'^ 




r— 1 


o3 


S 


S 


o 






h 




03 


03 


^ 


p 


0) 


cS 


r— 




!h 


^ 




r^ 


C 




cS 


rt 


=H 


p 


P 



a '^ g P, '^ be 



1-1 cc u a: ^ ,-i 



(19) 



20 THE Ainrv horse. 

The skull, containing cavities (or chambers), is composed of 
irregularly shaped flat l)ones, the most important of Avhich is 
the cranium, or brainpan, occupied by the brain and communi- 
cating with the bony canal (containing the spinal cord), Avhich 
Ijasses through the center of the cervical, dorsal, lumbar, sacral, 
and sometimes the first two or three coccygeal vertebra*. The 
orhital cavities (containing the eyes) communicate with the 
brain bj^ narrow passages, through one of which the optic 
nerve passes. 

On each side, below the eye, are two closed cavities known as 
the superior (upper) and inferior (lower) maxillary sinuses; 
in the lower third of the skull are found the nasal chambers 
extending from the nostrils backward to the pharynx, and sep- 
arated by a thin partition of bone and cartilage, called the 
septum nasi; the floor of these chambers forms the roof of the 
mouth. From the orbital cavities the skull gradually becomes 
narrower and terminates a short distance below the nostrils in 
the premaxilla, which contains the six upper incisor teeth; 
these six, with the corresponding teeth in the lower jaw, form 
the anterior (front) boundary of the mouth, which extends 
back to the pharynx. On the upper portion of the back of the 
mouth cavit}^ are found six molar or grinder teeth on each side ; 
that portion of the jaw between them and the incisors is called 
the interdental space. Situated on each side near the incisor 
teeth in this space are found, in the male, and rarely in the 
female, the tushes or canine teeth. 

The inferior maxilla or lower jaw is composed of two seg- 
ments firmly united in front aiid spreading backward some- 
what in the form of a letter V. Each branch, at the end, 
turns upward and is united to the skull proper in a movable 
joint. The branches of the jaw include a space appropriately 
called the maxillary space. Located in the united or front part 
t)f this bone are the inferior incisors and canine teeth, and, in 
the branches, the inferior molars, which correspond to those of 
the upper jaw. The space between \\\o molars aud incisors is 
the same as that in the upper jaw. 

The front leg is composed of the following bones, named in 
order from above downward: Scapula, shoulder blade: hu- 
merus, bone of the arm; radius, bone of the forearm, and ulna, 
bone of the elbow (radius and ulna are united in one bone) ; 
carpus, knee bones (seven small bones) ; larc/e metacarpal, can- 
non bone; two small metacarpals, splint bones (the three meta- 



THE ARMY HORSE. 21 

carpal bones are joined together, forming the metacarjms) ; 
two sesamoids^ pulley bones; os sujfraginis, upper pastern 
bone ; os corona^, lower pastern bone ; os pedis, coffin bone, and 
OS navicularis, shuttle bone. The scapula is extended by means 
of a thin plate of gristle, called the cartilage of frolongation. 
which offers additional attachment for the muscles of the body. 

The pelvis is composed of two segments. In each segment 
are three united, irregularly shaped, flat bones, namely, ilium, 
ischium, and pubis (haunch bones). The ischium and pubis 
bones are also united in pairs, forming the floor of the pelvic 
cavity occupied by the bladder and rectum. The two ilium 
bones or branches are triangular in shape. The outer angle in 
each case is the point of the hip. The two inner angles arc 
close to each other, and together form the point of the croup. 
Just below this point each branch is attached to the sacrum by 
ligaments. 

The hind leg is composed of the following bones: Femur. 
thigh bone; tibia, leg bone; fhnla, accessory leg bone; patella, 
stifle bone; tarsus, hock (made up of six small bones, named 
calcaneum, astragalus, cuneiform magnum, medium, parvum, 
and cuboid) ; large metatarscd, cannon bone; two small nieta- 
tarsals, splint bones. Below the cannon, the bones have the 
same name as in the fore leg. 

JOINTS. 

A joint is a movable union between two or more bones; the 
bones are separated by a soft elastic substance, which varies in 
structure with the amount of motion. Covering the adjacent 
surfaces in the joint is a thin and very smooth layer of a pecu- 
liar kind of cartilage called articular cartilage. A lubricating 
fluid, synoria. joint oil, is required to reduce the amount of 
friction ; this fluid is secreted or formed by the synovial mem- 
brane and the latter is confined and protected by the capsidar 
ligament which completely surrounds the joint. 

The joints of the fore leg are as follows: Shoulder joint. 
formed by the lower end of the scapula and the head of the 
humerus; elbow joint, by the radius, ulna, and humerus; knee- 
joint, by the radius, seven small bones (carpals), and the upper 
end of the metacarpals ; fetlock joint, by the large cannon, up- 
per pastern bone, and the two sesamoids; pastern joint, by the 
upper and lower pastern bones; coffin joint, by the lower 
pastern, coffin bone, and shuttle bone. 



22 THE ARMY HORSE. 

The following joints make up the articulation of the liind 
leg: Hip joint, formed b}^ the socket of the pelvis and the head 
of the femur; sfifie joiiif, by the lower end of the femur, head 
of the tibia, and the patella; hock joint, by the lower end of 
the tibia, six small bones (tarsals), and the upper ends of the 
metatarsals. The fetlock, pastern, and coffin joints correspond 
to those of the fore limb. 

LIGAMENTS. 

Ligaments are, generally speaking, strong bands of white 
fibrous inelastic tissue. Their princi[)al use is to firmly bind 
joints together, thereby jnvventing vibration and diminishing 
friction. 

The suspensory Jigaau'ul should be carefully studied on ac- 
count of the numerous accidents to which it is liable. It is a 
long, strong band of fibrous tissue originating in the back part 
of the lower bones of the knee and in the upper part of the 
cannon bone; it occupies the space between the splint bones 
and passes down immediately behind the cannon bone, lying 
between it and the tendon (sinew) of the fexor pedis jyerfor- 
ans; it bifurcates (divides into tAvo) opposite the lower third of 
the cannon bone and becomes attached to the sesamoids, whence 
the parts pass forward and downward, joining the tendon 
of the extensor pedis just above the pastern joint. It is thin 
and comparatively Aveak near the knee, but as it approaches the 
fetlock joint it almost equals the back tendons in substance, 
and its size and Aviriness to the touch may be taken as some 
test of the poAver of any particular leg to resist a breakdoAvu. 

The suspensory ligament of the hind leg corresponds in every 
particular to that of the fore leg. 

The calcaneo-cuboid ligament stretches from the posterior 
(back) border of the calcaneum to the posterior part of the 
cuboid, ending on the head of the external (outer) splint bone. 
A sprain of this ligament is knoAvn as a ^^cm-h." 

Capsular ligaments, as Ave have seen, are pouch-shaped, are 
found around joints, and are intended to protect the lubricating 
apparatus inside. 

Some ligaments are nuule up almost entirely oi yellow tissue, 
Avhich is elastic. The ligamentum nucha', neck ligament, is an 
important example. It occujiies the space in front of the 
dorsal spines, above the cervical A'ertebra), and is attached to 



THE AEMY HORSE. 23 

the top of the skull. In this position it separates the neck 
muscles of the right side from those of the left. The object 
of elasticity in this ligament is to permit of great freedom in 
the motion of the head, although supporting its great weight 
in proper position. 

MUSCLES AND TENDONS. 

(Plate IV.) 

The muscles are divided into voluntary and involuntary mus- 
cles; the former being under the direct control of the will, as, 
for example, the muscles of the neck, legs, tail, etc. ; and the 
latter acting independently of the animal's will, as, for ex- 
ample, the heart, intestinal muscles, etc. 

The muscles form about one-half of the entire weight of the 
body. With regard to their form they are divided into long, 
wide, and short. Long muscles are generally found in the 
limbs; Avide muscles are stretched beneath the skin or around 
the great cavities of the trunk, and short muscles are found 
chiefly around the irregularly shaped bones. 

Tendons are white, round or flattened cords affixed to the 
extremities of long muscles, attaching them to other structures, 
but themselves neither stretching nor contracting. 

All leg muscles are long muscles. Extensors are those that 
have the power of straightening the limb; -flexors^ of bending 
the limb. 

The extensor j^eclis is the principal extensor of the fore leg; 
it originates at the lower extremity of the humerus, and its 
fleshy portion continues to the lower third of the radius; at 
this point it becomes tendinous, and, passing down over the 
knee, continues along the front of the leg and becomes attached 
to the upper and front part of the os pedis. Action, to extend 
the leg. 

The extensor sujfraginis has its origin from the external 
head and outer border of the radius and from the side of the 
ulna; it is inserted (attached) to the upper and front part of 
the OS suifraginis. Action, to extend the foot. 

The extensor metacarpi magiius has its origin from the lower 
and external surface of the humerus, passes down the front of 
the radius and knee joint, and is attached to the upper end of 
the large metacarpal bone. Action, to extend the metacarpus. 

The flexor hrachii has its origin from the lower end of the 



24 THE ARMY HORSE. 

scapula, near the shoulder joint, and passes down in front of 
that joint and the humerus and becomes attached to the upper 
front part of the radius. Action, to flex the elbow joint and 
extend the shoulder. 

The flexor yedis iHrjoialn.s originates from the inner and 
lower part of the humerus ; it passes down the back part of the 
leg, becoming tendinous just above the carj^us; below the pas- 
tern it bifurcates, forming a ring for the passage of the tendon 
of the perforans and becomes attached to the sides of the os 
coronse. Action, to bend or flex the knee, fetlock, and pastern. 

HYiQ jlexor fedis ferforans originates with the perforatus; 
its fleshy portion passes down and is attached to the back part 
of the radius; its tendinous portion, beginning at the knee, 
passes down the leg between the cannon bone and the tendon 
of the perforatus, over the back of the fetlock, through the arch 
formed by the division of the tendon of the perforatus, and is 
attached to the under surface of the os pedis. Action, to flex 
the knee and all joints below. 

The extensor pedis of the hind leg originates from the loAver 
and front j^art of the femur; its fleshy portion extends down- 
ward along the front surface of the tibia to the hock, where it 
becomes tendinous; passing thence down the front of the leg- 
it is attached in the same manner as the extensor pedis of the 
front leg. Action, to extend the leg and flex the hock. 

The lyeroneus has its origin from the external ligament of the 
stifle and from the outer part of the fibula, and is inserted to 
the tendon of the extensor pedis a short distance below the 
hock. Action, to assist the extensor pedis. 

The tendon of the peroneus is cut in the operation for string 
ludt. 

The flexor metatarsi is divided into two portions — a muscular 
and a tendinous. The tendinous part is a strong pearl-white 
cord, situated between the muscular portion and the extensor 
pedis. It commences at the lower extremity of the femur, and 
terminates in two branches — a large one inserted in front of 
the upper extremity of the cannon bone and a small one devia- 
ting outward to reach the front surface of the cuboid bone. 
The fleshy portion originates on the front face of the tibia and 
is inserted b}^ two tendons, one in the head of the large meta- 
tarsal bone, the other in the small cuneiform on the inner side 
of the hock. Action, to flex the hock. 









fc£ 


























cS 








ui 


a; 














'3 




o 


o 




a.- 
-p 


-p 
O 


aj 
O 












'So 




-p 




OJ 


0; 




=p 
^-1 










•p-t 
u 


c 


C3 
-P 

1) 

s 

O 


•J2 

o 




1 

• r-t 

s 


's 

CJ 


a: 




Cfi 


-p 

-p 

ii 


03 




o 


yj 


■Ji 


a: 


o 


a; 


o 


P-1 

c 


o 




o 


0) 






s 


S 


Oi 


1/^ 


-p 


-p 


X 


X 


O 


X 




+5 


-Hi 


-p 


OJ 




a: 


a; 


Qi 


^ 


0) 


+3 






X 


f^ 












tu 








s 


w 




K 


s 


O 


- 


S 


E 


Ph 


E 


H 




















• 




• 


' 



^ 5 

0/ c 



il3 4j 



^ ^ s 

IJ ^ Co 

P^ ft be 



3 aJ 



5H 



P! C ii ^ 



o3 



&D fH fH 

■^ O O 

02 a; 

^ a a 

V a <D 

a; -P -P 

p:< Ph a: U H H 



<u 


<l; 


ft 




fH 


fH 


O 


O 


X 


X 


Oj 


0; 



cs g 



"g S! 33 S ti3 

ft ft o n J 
cc D i-q H? *^ 



(25) 



26 THE AKMY IIOKSE. 

The flexor pedis perfoj-ati/s of the hind leg orio-inates at the 
back and lower part qf the i'eninr. Its fleshy portion extends 
abont halfway down the tibia, then becomes tendinous, and 
jjasses over the point of the hock, continues down the back of 
the leg, and is attached in the same manner as the perforatus 
of the front leg. Action, to extend the hock and to flex the 
fetlock and pastern. 

The (ja.strocnemhis externns has a double origin at the lower 
and back part of the femur and is inserted to the joint of the 
hock. At the back part of the leg the tendon of this muscle 
becomes closely associated with the tendon of the flexor pedis 
perforatus, the two forming the tendon of Achilles^ or ham- 
sfr'nig. 

The flexor pedis perforans of the hind leg originates at the 
upper and ])ack i)ortion of the tibia. Above the hock it becomes 
tendinous and passing down over the inner and back side of 
the hock is attached to the os pedis in the same manner as the 
l)erf()rans of the front limb. Action, to extend the hock and 
io flex the joints below. 

Wide muscles are attached to other structures by broad bands 
of strong white tissue instead of by tendons. 

The pannk-uliis carnosus (fly shaker) is a wide flat muscle 
situated on the inner surface of the skin and coA'ering most of 
the neck, sides of the chest, and belh^ Action, to shake the 
skin. 

The principal muscles of the back, loins, and haunches are 
the loiigisshnus dorsi, e/lutens externus^ e/luteus maximus, and 
(/Inteus internus. 

The longisshnvs dorsi is situated on the ui)per part of the 
Jiack and loins, and is the largest and most poAverful muscle 
in the body, occupying the space on either side of the dorsal 
and lumbar spines. Is broad and fleshy at its origin in the 
loins and l)ecomes narrower as it proceeds forward. It is 
attached to the front part of the pelvis (ilium), first two bones 
of the sacrum, all of the lumbar and dorsal vertebra?, the 
external surface of the last fifteen or sixteen ribs, and to the 
last three or four cervical vertebne. Action: It is brought 
powerfully into play in kicking or rearing: it elevates the 
hinil or fore quarters, according as the fore or hind limbs are 
on the ground. Acting on one side only, it bends the back 
and loins laterally. 



C be ^ 



^ +0 


r^ 


r/: 


o 


fcc =^ 


Hi 


^ 


a; 




-t-j 






K ^ 


«2 


^-H 





p- > 



cj ro ^ •-" >o o i> GO 









-p 


t— - 


'Ti: u 




h 






E. 


•r 













j; 


^ 


c a. 


■Tl 


p! 






^ 


Th 


^ '~~' 


.2 










o 


•f. c^ 




c5 


X 


X 


3 
c 


0; 


rJ:3 O 


o 




s 




U 




o t^ 


'a 


d o 


f^ 


cS 


'p 1 


p 


■J. u 


cS 


^ H 


h-i 


1-^ 


W 


h 


S CO 


M 



CO •* LO O t- X C-. O 



(27) 



28 THE ATIMY HORSE. 

Gluteus externus is a V-shaped muscle situated on the upper 
and outer part of the haunch. It originates on the front part 
of the ilium and at the second and third sacral spines. Inser- 
tion, to the upper and outer part of the femur. Action, to 
draw the thigh outward. 

Gluteus maxiinus is a very large muscle, originating in the 
lumbar region; it is attached to the ilium and sacrum and is 
inserted on the upper and outer portion of the femur. Action, 
to extend the femur on the pelvis, and when the posterior limbs 
are fixed, to assist in rearing. 

Gluteus internus is situated underneath the gluteus maximus 
and above the hip joint. It originates from the shaft (lower 
angle) of the ilium and is inserted by a tendon to the upper 
part of the femur. Action, to draw the leg outward and 
jotate it inward. 

THE RESriRATORY SYSTEM. 

(Plate V.) 

The organs of respiration are the nostrils, nasal chambers, 
2)harynx, lari/nx, trachea, hronchi, bronchial tubes, and air 
cells. All of these organs, except the air cells, are lined with a 
soft tissue called mucous memhrane; where organs open to the 
external surface the mucous membrane and the skin are con- 
tinuous. The nostrils are two oblong openings (right and 
left) situated in the front part of the muzzle. The nasal 
chambers extend from the nostrils to the pharynx and are 
separated from each other by the cartilaginous septum nasi; 
each chamber is divided by the turhlnated hone into three pas- 
sages, all lined with a delicate rose-colored mucous membrane, 
called the Schneiderian inemhrane, which is continuous with 
the skin of the nostrils. 

The phari/rix is a muscular, membranous cavity, common to 
the digestive and respirator}' canals, somewhat cylindrical in 
form, and extending back to the larynx and the esophagus. 

The larynx is a complex musculo-cartilaginous valve, situated 
at the front part of the trachea or windpipe. It gives passage 
to air and at the same time is the organ of voice. The front 
extremity opens into the pharynx and the posterior into the 
trachea ; it lies in the back part of the maxillary space and is 
commonly known as "Adam's apple." 

The trachea, or windpipe, is a cylindrical, flexible tube con- 
sisting of a series of incomplete cartilaginous rings, numbering 



THE ARMY HORSE, 



29 



from forty to fifty, according to the length of the neck. It 
succeeds the hirynx, runs down the neck, enters the thorax or 
chest, and terminates at the base of the heart where it branches 
into the right and left hronchi, which enter the lungs and sub- 
divide into branches termed bronchial tubes. These, becoming 
gradually smaller as they divide, finally terminate in air cells. 
The entire ramification, when isolated, has the appearance of 
a tree, the trachea being the trunk, the bronchi and bronchial 
tubes the branches, and the air cells the leaves. These struc- 
tures are accompanied throughout by arteries, veins, and nerves. 
The tliorax, or chest, is formed by the ribs, sternum, the 
bodies of the dorsal vertebrae, the muscles between the ribs 
(intercostal), and the diaphragm. It contains the lungs, heart, 
large blood vessels, the trachea, esophagus, and a number of 
nerves. The thorax is lined by two serous membranes, the right 
and left j^Uura, each 'pleura lining one-half the thorax and 
enveloping the structures contained therein. A serous mem- 
brane is a thin glistening structure and lines a closed cavity. 

The lungs, the essential organs of respiration, are light, 
spongy organs of a conical shape, situated in the thoracic 
cavity. (Healthy lungs float in water.) 

The (lkrphra(/m or midriif is the muscular partition which 
separates the thorax from the abdominal cavity or belly. 

DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 

(Plate VI.) 

The digestive organs consist of the rnouth, pharynx, esopha- 
gus, stomach, intestines, and anus, all lined with mucous mem- 
brane. Together they form the alimentary canal through 
which the alimentary matter (food) is subjected to the special 
actions which adapt it to the purpose of nutrition. 

The mouth is an irregular cavity, containing the organs of 
taste and the instruments of mastication (chewing or grind- 
ing) . It is situated between the jaws, its long diameter follow- 
ing that of the head, and is pierced by two openings— the an- 
terior, for the introduction of food, and the posterior, through 
which the food passes into the pharynx. It is bounded in front 
by the lips and laterally by the cheeks; the roof is formed by 
the hard palate; the floor is occupied by the tongue, while the 
rear boundary is the soft palate. The mucous membrane 
covers the whole free surface of the mouth and its accessories 
except the teeth. The lips are the organs of touch as well as 



30 THE ARMY HORSE. 

of prehcn.slori (picking up). The soft palate is a curtain sus- 
pended between the mouth and the pharynx, attached above to 
.the iKilatine arch (the back part of the hard pahite) ; the loAver 
border is free and rests on the floor of the pharynx. Owing 
to the great size of this curtain, the horse is unable to l)reatlie 
through his mouth. 

The tongue is a movable muscular organ, situated on the floor 
of the mouth between the branches of the lower jaw. It is 
the special organ of taste and at the same time assists in masti- 
cation. 

The pliarynx has been previously described. 

The esophagus^ or gullet, is a muscular tube connecting the 
pharynx to the stomach. 

The Htomach is a pear-shaped organ situated in the abdomi- 
nal cavity, close to the diaphragm. Its internal, or mucous, 
coat is divided into right and left portions, the left is the cutic- 
ular portion and is continuous with the mucous membrane of 
the esophagus, which it resembles in structure and appearance, 
being of a pale white color. The right portion, the villous^ or 
true digestive coat, is reddish in color, soft, ver}^ vascular (filled 
with blood vessels) and velvety looking; it contains the peptic 
glands which secrete gastric jriice. 

The capacity of the stomach of the horse (from 3 to 3| gal- 
lons) is small in proportion to his size. 

The intestines are divided into large and small. The small 
intestines are continuous with the stomach, rather more than an 
inch in diameter and about 72 feet in length. The large intes- 
tines, measuring about 22 feet in length, exteiid from the termi- 
nation of the small intestines to the anus, and may be regarded 
as consisting of four parts, the ccecum, great colon, fioathig 
coloji, and the rectum. 

The membranous lining of the intestines is covered Avith 
small projections called villi, which absorb the nourishing 
parts of the food. The villi are more numerous in the small 
intestines than in the large. 

The intestines are supported throughout their entire length 
by strong bands of fibrous tissue (the mesentery) extending 
from the backbone. 

The anus is the jxjsterior opening of the alimentary canal 
and lies below the root of the tail. It forms a round jDro- 
jection, which becomes less prominent with age. 



B ^, -^ E X 









03 a 



?^, o 



? y 



X bjD rt 

^ S iS fn 

O fH M ..H CL ij .S CS 

^ £ H P mw ^ ^ 



(31) 



32 THE AU-AIY HORSE. 

The liver is the largest secreting organ in the body, weighing 
from 10 to 12 pounds. It is situated innnediately behind the 
diaphragm and in front of the stomach. The liver secretes a 
fluid called bile or gall which is emptied directly into the 
small intestines, as the horse is not ])n»vided with a gall 
bladder. 

The pancreas (sweetbread) is situated behind the stomach 
and in front of the Ividneys. It is of i-eddish cream color, and 
weighs about 17 ounces. Its function is to secrete pancreatic 
fluid, which is poured into the small intestine. 

The spleen is situated on the left side of the stomach. It is 
pointed at the lower end and gradually widens as it extends 
up to the region of the left kidney. The spleen is of a reddish- 
gray color and in the healthy horse weighs from '2 to 4 pounds : 
in disease, hoAvever. it may reach an enormous size. 

The function of the spleen is not positively known, but it is 
believed that this organ effects some change in the blood, many 
authorities claiming that it forms the white blood corpuscles 
(see "Blood"). 

The abdominal cavity is a large, somewhat oval cavity, 
Ijounded above by the muscles of the back, below by the abdomi- 
nal muscles, and in front l)v the diaphragm: behind it is con- 
tinuous with the pelvic cavity. The cavity is lined through- 
out by a serous membrane called the pentoneum. 

PHYSIOLOGY or DIGESTION. 

By physiology is meant a description of the functions or 
uses of certain structures. The physiology of digestion de- 
scribes the functions of parts of the digestive apparatus. 

Food, as it passes through the digestive or alimentary canal, 
is subjected to a series of mechanical and chemical agencies, by 
which it is, in greater or less part, digested and worked up to a 
condition in which it can be absorbed by the appropriate 
vessels, and, while this portion is taken up by the circulation, 
the effete (worthless) remainder passes on and is discharged. 

The food, taken into the mouth by the lips, is masticated 
(the mechanical first step) and is mixed with saliva. Saliva, 
secreted by the salivary glands in different parts of the head, 
acts chemically upon the starchy components (parts) of the 
food and converts them into sugar, whieh is more readily ab- 
sorbed. This second step is called insalivation. 



THE ARMY HORSE, 33 

The next step, deglutition or swallowing, is mechanically 
performed by the tongue, pharynx, and esophagus. 

When the food reaches the stomach it is subjected to the next 
step, 'maceration^ a mechanical rolling, mixing, and soaking 
with the gastric juice. During maceration the gastric juice 
acts chemically upon other components {nitrogenous parts), 
rendering them absorbable. Food in the condition in which it 
leaves the stomach is called chyme. 

In the small intestines the villi take up the absorbable parts 
already prepared, and the remaining nourishing parts are im- 
mediately subjected to the chemical action of the bile and pan- 
creatic fluid. Chyme, acted upon by these juices, becomes chyle. 
Passing through the great length of the small intestines, nearly 
all of the nourishing parts of the chyle are absorbed, and the 
residue (remainder) enters the .caecum, which is the water reser- 
voir. ("Water remains in the stomach of the horse only a short 
time and then passes promptly through the small intestines into 
the ca?cum.) 

The r,esidue, soaked in water, gives up, in its passage through 
to the rectum, the small amount of nutritive matter that has 
not previously been absorbed. By means of muscular cross 
ridges in the floating colon the eiiete material is mechanically 
molded into pellets of dung, which are stored in the rectum, 
whence they are ejected, at intervals, through the anus. The 
ejection is called defecation. 

URIXARY SYSTEM. 

(Plate VI.) 

The organs of this system secrete eiTete material in the form 
of a watery fluid, called urine., and expel it from the body. 
They are the Iddneys., ureters^ hladder., and urethra. 

The l-idneys are two in number, right and left, situated on 
either side of the spine, immediately below the lumbar verte- 
bra?. Their action is to secrete the urine from the blood by a 
process of filtering. Each kidney has a tube or duct, called the 
ureter., which carries the urine to the storage reservoir, the 
hladder. This muscular organ, by contraction, discharges the 
urine, at intervals, through a tube called the urethra., which ex- 
tends to the head of the penis. 

The normal amount of urine secreted in twenty-four hours 
and expelled through the penis varies from 3 to 6 quarts. The 
color in health is vellowish. 



34 THE AKMY HOESE. 

CIRCULATION. 

(Plate VII.) 

The organs which convey the blood througiiout I ho body are 
the heart, arteries, capillaries, and veins. 

The heart is a hollo^v organ, made up of invohuitary muscles; 
it is situated between the lungs, in the thoracic cavity, and 
averages about 6^ pounds in weight. It is divided into two 
parts, right and left, separated by a muscular wall. Each 
part contains tAvo cavities, one above the other, the upper 
called the auricle and the lower the ventricle. The cavities 
are connected by openings, which are guarded by valves to 
preA^ent a back flow of the blood. 

Arteries are hollow structures or tubes, conveying the blood 
away from' the heart, and veins are similar structures, bringing 
it back to the heart. The walls of the tubes are thicker in 
arteries than in A'eins. Veins have valves; arteries have none. 
Veins as well as arteries branch off and diminish in size as 
they extend from the heart. 

The smallest arteries are connected with the smallest veins by 
minute vessels called capillaries, which are to be found in the 
tissue throughout the body. They are too small to be seen with 
the naked eye. 

Blood. 

The blood is a fluid which is the medium h\ which nutritive 
material is conveyed to the solid tissues. It is an opaque, 
thickish, clamni}^ fluid, with a peculiar odor and sickl^y, saline 
(salty) taste. Its color varies in different i^arts of the same 
animal, that in the arteries being a bright red or scarlet, while 
that in the veins is a dark purple. 

Blood is composed of red blood corpuscles, or cells, and white 
blood corpuscles, floating in a watery liquid called serum, which 
contains the nutrient material absorbed by digestion, and 
certain salts. 

The red cells convey the oxygen, and iheir presence in 
countless numbers gives the bright-red color to the fluid. The 
white corpuscles act as a ijrotection to all parts of the body in 
case of disease or injury; they assist in the repair of injured 
tissue and destroy or check invading germs. Blood cells can 
be seen only with the aid of the microscope. 




o = 



4; (t 



< 

pi 
< 
P- 

< 

c 







^ 
p 
£ 














b 


o 


d 
^ 


+= 

u 
o 


"u 




a; 

,X3 


Pi 


o 


c3 
c3 


Hi 
4J 


5 


4) 

1 


7h 

o 




rt 


'^ 


T^ 




>■ 


.— 1 


•r-l 


^1 


4^ 


(— ' 


•+J 




^1 
o 

•rH 


5 


A 


C 

w 


.2 

'u 


4^ 


4^ 


o 

a 


0! 


c3 


o 


O 


^ 


rH 


^-1 


o 


X 


C 

M 


OJ 


o 


a> 


a; 




H^ 


"■^ 


PI 


p; 


^ 


K 


p^ 


Ph 


1^ 


> 


f^ < 



^ u 



rH ;-. O 



a ij 



rt a; 



a; f^ -tj t; 



+^ —t rt 4^ 



^ rC 



=^ •;: 5s 0/ ^ 



o ^ ^ 



3 f^ 



c3 ^H 



t^i^fe?S"'5^S'^i! 



d c3 rt 



C S aJ 



I— • H-i '^ ,^ rT^ ^ 



+s 3 



PKK .P^P^<0|-qK 



<D ^ C3 1^ 



^^C^iCOC^Tj<iCO?>CiC^ 



■ (85) 



36 THE ARMY HORSE. 

Circuit of the Blood. 

The heart, from the action of its invohmtary muscles, may be 
Hkeiied to a force pump. The blood from the veins, oenous or 
impure blood, entering the right auricle of the heart, is pumped 
into the right ventricle and thence through the pulmonary 
artery (lung artery) into the lungs. 

In the limgs the pulmonary artery branches into small 
arteries and then into capillaries which surround the air cells. 
Here the blood gives ott' carbonic acid gas and receives its 
purifying suppl}' of oxygen. The purified blood passes from 
the capillaries into the small veins, which unite in the pulmo- 
nary reins leading back to the left auricle. 

The arterial, pure, or bright-red blood is then pumped into 
the left ventricle and thence into the arteries, small arteries, 
and capillaries. In these last vessels it gives up the oxygen 
supply to the tissues and receives the impure carbonic acid gas, 
wdiich causes it to change color. The dark impure blood is 
then collected through the small veins into the larger veins and 
thence into the right auricle from which it started. This round 
or circuit, which is constantly going on, gives rise to the name 
circulation. 

It has been stated that arteries convey the blood away from 
the heart and that veins return it. In supplving the body, 
arteries carry pure blood and veins carry impure blood. "N^^ien, 
however, the impure blood is sent to the lungs for purification, 
it is conveyed in an artery and the pure l)lood returns in a vein. 
These two important exceptions must be carefully noted. 

Arterial Ram ip'c((tion. 

The large artery given olf from the left ventricle of the heart 
is the common aorta, which passes upward and forward tor 
2 or ;J inches and divides into the anterior aorta and the 
posterior aorta, supplying, respectively, the fore and hind 
portions of the body. 

The anterior aorta is very short (1 or 2 inches), passes 
upward and forward under the trachea and between the lungs, 
and divides into the right and left hracJiial arteries, each sup- 
plying bk)od to one of the fore limbs and its neighboring 
muscles. 

The ri(/ht hracJiial artery gives oH* n large branch, called tlie 
common cartoid. There is no corresponding branch of the left 



THE ARMY HORSE. 37 

brachial. The common carotid is short and immediately 
divides into two branches, rujlit and left carotids^ which pass 
up the neck, at first under the trachea and then on either side ; 
tlie}^ follow the trachea to the throat, where they divide into 
branches, suppljdng the head. 

The hrachkd arteries continue toward the front part of the 
thorax, winding- around the first ribs, and divide into branches, 
supplying the fore limbs. Tlie main branch of each is here 
named the humeral artery. 

The humeral ai'tery descends along the inner side of the 
humerus and just above the elbow joint, divides into the 
anterior and iKisterior radial arteries. 

The anterior radial descends over the front surface of the 
elbow joint, passes down in front of the radius, and approaches 
the knee below the extensor pedis muscle, where it divides into 
numerous branches, supplying blood to the surrounding tissues. 
The posterior radial is a continuation of the humeral artery, 
passing down the inner side of the fore leg, inclining back and 
dividing at the lower end of the radius into the large and small 
metacarpal arteries. 

The small metacarpal passes outward from the inner and 
back part of the knee and, running downw^ard, supplies nour- 
ishment to the surrounding tissues. The large metacarpal is a 
continuation of the posterior radial. It runs down the back of 
the knee, in company with the flexor tendon ; above the fetlock 
it passes between the tendon and the suspensory ligament, 
dividing into the external and internal digital arteries., which 
supply the foot. 

The study of the digital arteries will be taken up later, when 
the student has a more extended knowledge of the bones and of 
the elastic and sensitive structures of the foot. 

^Ve will now return to the posterior aorta. The posterior 
aorta is larger and longer than the anterior. It begins at about 
the level of the fourth dorsal vertebra, passes upward and back- 
ward, and reaches the left side of the spine just below the sixth 
or seventh dorsal vertebra. It then passes straight back into 
the abdominal cavity and terminates in the lumbar region 
below the last lumbar vertebra. During its passage to this 
point it gives off branches to the muscles of the ribs, to the lungs 
for their nourishment, to the abdominal organs, and to the 
muscles of the loins. Below the last lumbar vertebra it divides 



38 THE AEMY HORSE. 

into four branches, the right and left external and 'internal 
iliacs, which supply blood to the hind extremities. 

The internal iliaes are short thick trunks which soon break up 
into several branches to the muscles of the hind quarters. The 
external iliacs, Avith their continuations, are the main arteries 
of the hind legs. Each, as previousl}^ stated, begins below the 
last lumbar vertebra, curves obliquely outward and doAvnward, 
giving off branches, and, near the head of the femur, receives 
the name of femoral artery. 

The femo)'al artery is the arter}^ of the thigh. Just_ above the 
back of the stifle joint it divides into two branches, the anterior 
and posterior tibial, the latter supph'ing the back part of the 
gaskin and hock Avith nourishment, while the former winds 
forward between the tibia and fibula to the fore part of the leg, 
gaining it midway between the stifle and the hock. At the 
hock it passes obliquely outward, crossing the joint, and becomes 
the great metatarsal artery at the upper and outer part of the 
metatarsus. The great metatarsal passes under the small splint 
bone and gains the back part of the cannon, then, passing clown 
the leg, it divides just below the fork of the suspensory liga- 
ment into two branches, the external and internal digitals, 
which will be studied later. 

The involuntary muscles of the heart receive their blood sup- 
ph" from two small arteries, right and left coronary, which 
branch off at the beginning of the common aorta. 

Veins. 

Veins are usually found accompanjdng the arteries of the 
body and bearing similar names; there are several important 
exceptions, three of which Avill be here noted, namely, the 
anterior vena cava, jugular, and posterior vena cava. 

The anterior vena cava is the large, short vein, formed by 
numerous branches, returning the blood from the head, the 
neck, the fore leg, and part of the chest. It is located in the 
front part of the thorax, beloAv the trachea, and between the 
right and left pleurae, and empties into the right auricle. 

The jugular veins (right and left) are the largest branches of 
the anterior vena cava and collect the blood from the head and 
neighboring parts. Just beloAV and back of the lower jaw 
they approach the carotid arteries and run down the neck in 
their company. Each jugular is outside of the corresponding 



THE ARMY HORSE. 39 

carotid and the two are separated by a thin muscle. The jugu- 
hir veins in their descent follow grooves at the side of the neck 
(jugular furrows), and at first are close to the surface and 
easily felt; they soon take a deeper course, running beneath the 
panniculus carnosus muscle. They enter the front part of the 
thorax, where they empty into the anterior vena cava just in 
front of the heart. 

The ijosterior vena cava is the main vein retiUming the blood 
from the hind parts and from the abdominal and pelvic organs. 
It corresponds to the posterior aorta, which, as has been seen, 
is the main artery carrying the blood to these parts. This vein 
is formed at the front part of the pelvis and runs forward 
under the lumbar vertebra, accompanying the posterior aorta, 
which is at its left, "^^lien it reaches the upper border of the 
liver it inclines downward and passes through a notch or fis- 
sure of that organ. Thence it passes through the diaphragm 
into the thoracic cavity; here it follows a groove on the upper 
surface of the right lung and then enters the right auricle of 
the heart. 

The important veins of the foot will be discussed later. 

AXATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM. 

The Ijanphatic or absorbent system resembles the system of 
blood veins with which it is connected. The main part of the 
sj^stem collects surplus lymph (to be described later) and re- 
turns it to the blood ; a smaller part has the same function, but, 
in addition, absorbs and collects chyle and adds it to the blood. 

A^Tien the blood in its circuit reaches the capillaries the 
serum oozes through their thin walls into the minute spaces in 
the surrounding tissues and there receives the name of lymjjh. 
This colorless fluid bathes and nourishes the tissues and takes 
up worn-out material. The spaces in the tissues assemble into 
minute, delicate, and transparent vessels, (lymphatics), which 
are remarkable for their knotted appearance, due to numerous 
valves. The vessels join and increase in size, like veins, and 
through them flows the surplus lymph with its collected waste 
material. 

The vessels of the right fore extremity, the right side of the 
head, neck, and thorax, form tubes uniting in a main trunk, 
called the right lymyliat'ic vein^ which leads into the anterior 
vena cava ; the vessels from the remainder of the body unite in 
a trunk called the thoracic duct^ which begins in- the lumbar 



40 THE ARMY HORSE. 

region, passes forward beneath the hnnbar and dorsal vertebra^, 
and empties into the anterior vena cava just in front of the 
heart. 

Each of the villi of the intestines contains a minute vessel 
called a lacteal^ which absorbs chyle and recei^^es its name from 
the lacteal or milky appearance of that fluid. These vessels of 
the smaller Ij^mphatic system unite and form larger tubes 
which empty into the rece'ptacidnm chyli (chyle reservoir), 
which is a part of the thoracic duct of the larger system. 

It will thus be seen that the lymph with its waste material 
and the chyle with its nutrient material are mixed and poured 
into the impure blood. The lymph and chyle are taken up into 
the serum and the waste material is thrown off from the circu- 
lating blood by the lungs, skin, and kidneys. 

Lymph, therefore, makes a circuit very much as blood does. 

To simplify the explanation of the system, the lymphatic 
glands have not been mentioned. 

Glands are organs the function of which is to separate cer- 
tain substances from the blood, which are either to be used in 
the animal's system or to be thrown olf as waste material. 

The lymphatic glands are so placed that the lymphatic ves- 
sels pass through them in their course toward the main trunks. 
These glands act as filters and remove any infective material 
from the lymph and also suppl}^ Ijanph corj^uscles, which are 
identical with the white corpuscles of the blood. 

"Wlien the glands are situated near diseased structures, an 
amount of infected material lodges in the glands, greater than 
can be overcome by the lymph corpuscles, and, in consequence, 
inflammation and swelling of the glands result. 

ANATO:\rY OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 

A nerve consists of a bundle of tubular fibers, held together 
b}^ dense connective tissue ; the nerve fibers form a conducting 
apparatus, to convey impulses of sensation and to transmit im- 
pulses of motion. 

The nervous system is divided into two minor systems, the 
cerebro-Sfinal^ which is to a considerable extent influenced by 
the will of the animal, and the si/m pathetic. Avhich is not di- 
rectl}^ influenced Iw the will. 

In the first the center is made up of two portions, the brain 
and the spinal cord. 



THE ARMY HORSE. 41 

The brain is sitnated in the cranial cavity; the spinal cord 
is elongated and continuous with the brain and is situated in 
the canal of the vertebral column. 

The communicating- portion of this system consists of the 
cerebro-spinal nerves, which leave the brain and spinal cord in 
symmetrical pairs, and are distributed to the voluntary mus- 
cles, to the organs of common sensation, and to those of special 
sense. 

The sympathetic sj^stem consists of a double chain of ganglia 
(small brains), extending from the head to the coccyx, along 
either side of the spine, and connected by nerve cords. The 
ganglia are also connected to branches of the cerebro-spinal 
nerves, thus uniting the two systems. The nerves of the sym- 
j)athetic system are distributed to the involuntary muscles, 
mucous membranes, internal organs, and blood vessels. 

ANATOMY or THE EYE. 

(Plate Vin.) 

The eye is the organ of sight and is situated in the orbital 
cavity. It is spherical in shape and is filled with fluid. The 
front portion, called the cornea, is perfectly clear and admits 

PLATE VIII. 




Section of the eye. 
c, Cornea; c, eyelids; i\ fluiJ; t, iris; 1, crystalliue lens; o, optic uerve; p, pupil; r, retina. 

the light to the back part of the eye, where it strikes the retina^ 
an expansion of the 02)tic ner>:e,' through this nerve impres- 
sions are conveyed to the brain. The colored portion or iris^ 
situated behind the cornea, acts as a curtain, regulating the 



42 THE AinrY iiousi:. 

amount of light admitted through the central opening^ which 
is called the fu-pil. The crystalline lens is a small transparent 
body situated immediately behind the pupil; it is thick in the 
center and tapers toward the edges. Its function is to draw 
the rays of light to a focus on the retina. When the lens is 
diseased and no light can pass through, the animal is said to 
have a, cataract. The eyelids are two movable curtains, superior 
and inferior, which protect the eye. The memlyrana nictitans^ 
or accessory eyelid (haw), is situated near the inner angle be- 
tAveen the lids and the eyeball. This membrane acts like a 
finger in the removal of foreign bodies from the ej'C. 

ANATOMY OF THE SKIN. 

The skin consists primarily of two parts : The outer, non- 
vascular layer, called the cuticle or ejnderinis, and the deep 
vascular layer, called the corium, dermis, or true skin. 

The epidermis is a scaly covering. The true skin or dermis 
lies immediately under the epidermis, is much thicker, and con- 
tains the roots of the hair, the sweat glands, and the sehaceous 
glands. 

Sweat glands are simple tubes extending from the deeper 
layers of the skin to the surface of the body and pouring out 
perspiration, which carries with it certain waste materials from 
the system. The evaporation of sweat cools the body and 
assists in regulating its temperature. 

Sebaceous glands secrete an oily fluid. On parts of the skin 
which are subjected to much friction these glands pour their 
oil directly upon the outer surface, as in the sheath, the back 
of the pastern joints, etc. Usually, however, the glands open 
into the hair follicles or sacs, and the oily secretion gives gloss 
to the hair, prevents it becoming dry and brittle, and keeps the 
surrounding skin soft and supple. 

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF THE FOOT. 

(Plate IX.) 

The horse's foot is composed of three parts, viz : The bony 
framework or skeleton, completed by certain elastic structures 
of cartilage and fat; the layer of highly sensitive flesh (quick), 
Avhich covers the framework; and, the box or case of liorn, 
called the hoof, which incloses and protects the above-men- 
tioned structures. 



Flexor pedis 
perforaus 




Flexor pedis 
perforatus 



OS NAVICULARIS 
Plantar cushion • 



Sensitive frog-" 
Horny frog ' 



CANNON BONE 



Extensor pedis tendon 



OS SUFFRAGINIS 



Horny sole 



OS CORONAE 
"Coronary frog band 
Coronary band 

..^S PEDIS 
...Wall 
tSeneitive 
laminae 

"White line 
'Sensitive sole 



PLATE IX. 

SECTION OF THE HOOF AND PASTERN. 



THE AIBIY HORSE. 43 

Bone.s of the foot. 

The bones of the pastern region and foot form a cohimn 
extending- downward from tlie fetlock into the hoof, and, as 
previousl}- stated, are named as follows: Os suffmf/ini.s (long- 
pastern bone), OS coronre (short pastern bone), os pedis (coffin 
bone), and os navicular is (shuttle bone). 

The OS sujfraginis is about one-third as-long as the cannon 
bone (the bone extending from the knee or hock to the fetlock) 
and reaches from the fetlock joint above to the pastern joint 
below; its superior extremity shows a shallow cavity on each 
side, separated in the middle by a deep groove, and into this 
surface fits the lower end of the cannon bone. The inferior 
extremit}^ is much smaller and narrower than the upper; on 
each side is a small convex surface, the two surfaces separated 
in the middle by a shallow groove. This extremity meets the 
upper end of the os corona- and forms the pastern joint. 

The OS corona' follows the direction of the os suffraginis 
downward and forward and lies between the pastern and coffin 
joints, its lower end being within the hoof. 

Its superior surface shoAvs a shallow cavity on each side, with 
a ridge between them to fit the lower end of the os suffraginis. 
The lower surface of this bone shows a convex part on each 
side, separated by a groove, to fit the upper surface of tlfe coffin 
bone in the coffin joint. 

The OS pedis is an irregular bone, situated within the hoof 
and is similar to it in shape. 

The anterior surface is known as the wall surface; it shows 
a number of small openings, called foramina, for the passage 
of blood vessels and nerves, and is roughened to give attacli- 
ment to tlie soft parts {sensitive lamin(t) covering it. At the 
top of this surface, in front, is a ridge called the pyramidal 
process, to which is attached the extensor pedis tendon. 

The lower surface, called the sole, is half-moon-shaped, con- 
cave and smooth, and is covered by the sensitive sole. The 
upper surface helps to form the coffin joint and is called the 
articular surface; it shows two shallow cavities, separated by a 
ridge. 

Just back of the articular surface is a small triangular sur- 
face to fit the navicular bone behind. 

Just back of the sole is a rough surface, to whicli is attached 
the flexor pedis perforans tendon; it is called the tcudinous 
surface. . 



44 THE ARiNIY HORSE. 

On each side of this surface is a groove running: forward 
and terminating- in an opening, called the plantar foramen; an 
arter}^ and a nerve enter the bone and a vein leaves it through 
this opening, 

■ On each side of the os pedis, extending backAvard, is a pro- 
longation, called the icing. Each wing is divided by a notch 
and then by a groove, which runs forward on the outside of the 
bone ; an artery lies in the notch and groove. 

The 08 navicularis is an irregular bone situated behind and 
below the os coronse and behind the os pedis, articulating with 
both bones. Its long axis is perpendicular to the axis of the 
foot. The extremities of the bone are attached to the wings of 
the OS pedis; the inferior surface is covered Avith cartilage, 
which forms a smooth surface for the movements of the tendon 
of the flexor pedis perforans muscle. 

Elastic structures of the foot. 

All of the parts of the foot, except the bones, are more or 
less elastic or " springy " and yield wdien pressure is applied ; 
but certain parts have a very high degree of elasticity, their 
special use being to overcome the effects of concussion or jar 
when the foot strikes the ground and to prevent injury, and 
these parts are referred to as the elastic structures of the foot. 
They are the lateral cartilages and jylantar cushion, or fatty 
frog, as it is sometimes called. 

The lateral cartilages are thin plates of cartilage, one at- 
tached to the top of each wing of the os pedis, and extending 
backward and upward so far that their upper borders may be 
felt under the skin above the coronet at the lieels. 

The plantar cnishion is a very elastic wedge-shaped pad, 
which fills up the space between the two lateral cartilages on 
the sides, the sensitive frog below, and the flexor pedis per- 
forans tendon above. 

The point or anterior part of the plantar cushion extends 
forward to the ridge which separates the sole from the tendin- 
ous surface of the os pedis. The base is covered by the skin 
above the heels. 

Sensitive structures of the foot. 

Over the bones and elastic structures of the foot is found a 
complete covering of very sensitive flesh, and from each part of 



THE ARMY HORSE, 45 

this covering some part of the hoof is secreted or formed. The 
divisions of this layer of flesh are called the sensitive parts or 
structures of the foot. They are the coronary hand^ aensitlce 
lamina'^ sensitive sole^ sensitive frog, and the coronary frog 
hand. 

The coronary hand is a tnick convex band of tough flesh, 
about f inch wide, and extends entirely around the top of the 
hoof from one bulb of the heel to the other; in front it is 
attached to the extensor pedis tendon, and on the sides to liga- 
ments of the coffin joint, to the lower end of the os coronse, and 
to the lateral cartilages. The surface of the coronary band is 
covered with small pointed projections or villi. The coronary 
band secretes or forms the principal part (middle layer) of the 
wall of the. hoof. 

The sensitive laniinm (fleshy leaves) cover and are firmly 
attached to the anterior or wall surface of the os pedis and to 
the lower part of the outer surface of the lateral cartilages. 
These delicate leaves of the flesh dovetail into the horny 
laminae and, with them, serve to fasten the wall of the hoof to 
the OS pedis and to the lateral cartilages. 

The sensitive sole covers the sole surface of the os pedis, is 
covered with villi, and secretes the hornj^ sole. 

The sensitive frog covers the lower face of the plantar 
cushion, an(,l from its villi the horny frog is secreted. 

The coronary frog hand or perioplic ring is a narrow band 
of flesh running around just above the coronary band and sepa- 
rated from it by a faint groove. From the fine villi on the 
surface of this ring the delicate fibers grow which form the 
perioiple. 

The hoof. 

The box or case of horn, called the hoof, which incloses and 
protects the other structures of the foot, is divided into three 
parts — -icall, sole, and frog. In a healthy foot these parts are 
solidly united. 

The wall is the part seen when the foot is on the ground ; it 
extends from the edge of the hair to the ground and is divided 
into the toe, quarters, heels, and har^^; it has an internal surface, 
an external surface, and an upper and a lower border. 

The toe is the front part of the wall. It is steeper in the 
hind foot than in the fore. The quarters extend backward 
from the toe to the heels. The heel or buttress is that part of 



46 THE ARMY HORSE. 

the ■wall where it bends inward and forward, and the har is the 
division of the wall running from the heel to within about 1 
inch of the point or apex of the frog. It lies between the 
horny sole and the frog. 

The external surface of the wall is covered by a thin varnish- 
like coat of fine horn, called the periople. 

The internal surface of the wall is covered by from 500 to 
GOO thin plates or leaves of horn, called the horny lamina'. 
Between the horn}' lamina?, which run parallel to each other 
and in a direction downAvard and forAvard, there are fissures 
into which dovetail the sensitiA^e laminae, and this union, as 
previously stated, binds the Avail of the hoof to the os pedis 
and lateral cartilages. 

The upper border of the wall shoAvs a deep grooA^e (coronary 
groove) into Avhich fits the coronary band. 

The loAver border is called the "bearing edge" (or "spread" 
in the unshod foot) and is the part to Avhich the shoe is fitted. 

The horny sole is a thick plate of horn, someAvhat half-moon- 
shapecl, and has tAvo surfaces and tAvo borders. 

The vipper surface is convex (round or bulging upAvard) and 
is in union Avith the sensitive sole from Avhich the hornj^ sole 
groAvs. The loAver surface is concaA^e or holloAved out and is 
covered Avith scales or crusts of dead horn, Avhich graduallj^ 
loosen and fall off. 

The outer border of the sole joins the inner part of the loAver 
border of the Avail by means of a ring of soft horn, called the 
white line. This mark or line is sometimes called the guide 
line., as it shoAvs Avhere the nail should be started in shoeing. 

The inner border is a V-shaped notch and is in union Avith 
the bars, except at its narrow part Avhere it joins the frog. 

The horny sole protects the sensitive sole and does not, in a 
healthy foot, bear Aveight, except a A^ery narroAv border at the 
Avhite line, an eighth or tenth of an inch in Avidth. 

The horny frog is the Avedge-shaped mass of horn filling up 
the triangular space betAA'een the bars. The loAver face shoAvs 
tAvo prominent ridges, separated behind by a cavity, called the 
cleft^ and joining in front at the ajiex or point of the frog; 
these ridges terminate behind in the bulbs of the frog. Be- 
tAveen the sides of the frog and the bars are tAvo cavities, called 
the commissures. The upper surface of the horny frog is the 
exact reverse of the loAver and shoAvs in the middle a ridge of 
horn, called the frog stay, which assists in forming a firm 



THE AEJMY HOESE. 47 

union between the horn}' and sensitive frog. The horny frog 
serves to break the jar or concussion by acting as a cushion or 
pad; it protects the sensitive frog and prevents the foot from 
slipping. 

Structure of horn. 

The horn of the hoof presents a fibrous appearance and con- 
sists of very fine horn fibers or tubes, similar to hairs, running- 
downward and forward and held together b}- a cementing sub- 
stance. The horn fibers of wall, sole, and frog all run in the 
same direction, downward and forward, the only difference 
being that those of the frog are much finer and softer and run 
in wavy lines, whereas the fibers of wall and sole are straight. 

The horn fibers grow from the small villi, which cover ti» 
surfaces of the coronary band, sensitive sole, and sensitive frog. 

Circulation of hlood tJirough the foot. 

In previous study of the arteries we have seen that the large 
metacarpal of the fore leg and the great metatarsal of the hind 
leg each divides just above the fetlock into tAvo branches. 
These branches are called the external and internal digital 
arteries, one on the inner and one on the outer side of the 
fetlock joint. They follow the borders of the flexor tendons 
downward and terminate inside of the wings of the os pedis. 
Each of the internal and external digital arteries gives off 
five branches — the jjeriyendicular., trans rerse., artery of the frog, 
preplantar ungucd^ and plantar migval. 

The perpendicular artery is given off at right angles about 
the middle of the os suffraginis, descends on the side of the 
pastern, bends forward and joins with the artery of the same 
name from the opposite side and forms the superficial coronary 
arch. From this arch branches descend to the coronary band. 

The transverse artery comes off under the upper border of 
the lateral cartilage, runs forward, and joins its fellow from 
the opposite side between the extensor pedis tendon and the os 
corona^. The deep coronary arch is the name given to this 
arrangement of the arteries, and branches from this arch also 
supply the coronary band. 

The artery of the frog rises behind the pastern joint at the 
upper border of the lateral cartilage. It has two branches — 
a posterior, which runs back and supplies the bulb of the heel. 



48 THE ak:\[y horse. 

and an anterior, which runs forward and downAvard through 
the plantar cushion and supplies the sensitive frog. 

The 'pre/plantciT ungual artery is given off inside the wing 
of the OS pedis, passes through the j^replantar notch, and runs 
forward along the preplantar groove on the side of the bone. 
It helps supi^ly the sensitive laminae with blood and sends 
some small branches into the bone to join branches from other 
arteries. 

The flantar ungual artery is the terminal or last branch of 
the digital artery (is a continuation of that artery) and enters 
the OS pedis at the plantar foramen. 

The two plantar ungual arteries run forward within the 
bone and unite to form the circulus arteriosus. From this 
circle spring ascending and descending branches. The ascend- 
ing branches, called the anterior laminal arteries, leave the 
bone through the small openings (foramina) and supply the 
sensitive lamina? in front. The descending branches, called 
the inferior communicating arteries, are about fourteen in 
number and emerge from the bone by the openings just above 
its lower edge; they unite to form a large trunk, running 
around the toe of the os pedis, called the circumfiex artery, 
and this arter}^ gives off ascending and descending branches. 
The ascending branches pass into the sensitive lamina^ and 
the descending branches, called the solar arteries, numbering 
about fourteen, run backward through the sensitive sole to 
form a second circle, called the inferior circumflex artery. 

The veins of the foot are arranged in networks, each network 
or plexus named from the i^arts in which it is located. The 
solar plexus is found running all through the sensitive sole. 
The laminal plexus runs through and under the sensitive 
lamina\ The coronary plexus surrounds the os coronte and 
upper part of the os pedis, just under the coronary band. 

The veins of the frog are those found in the plantar cushion 
and sensitive frog; the interosseous veins form a network 
within the os pedis. The veins of the foot all unite above to 
form a large trunk, called the digital vein, which runs along 
the digital artery and carries the blood back toward the heart. 
The veins of the foot are valveless below the middle of the 
pastern, an arrangement which allows the blood to flow in 
either direction when pressure is applied and thus jDrevents 
injury. 



THE ar:my iiokse. 49 

Nerves of the foot. 

The nerves of the foot supply feeling or the sense of touch 
to the parts. The large nerve cord on either side of the limb 
divides at the fetlock joint into three branches, called the 
digital nerves — the anterior, the posterior, and the middle. 

The anterior digital nerve passes downward and forward 
and supplies the anterior or front part of the foot. 

The posterior digital nerve, the largest of the three, passes 
down behind the digital artery to supply the structures in the 
posterior part of the foot. It gives off a branch which passes 
through the notch in the wing of the os pedis (in company 
Avith the preplantar ungual arter}') to supply some of the 
sensitive laminae; it also sends branches into the os pedis with 
the plantar ungual arter}'. 

The middle branch is very small, is said to always join the 
anterior branch, and supplies the sensitive sole and fetlock 
pad. 

The functions of most of the parts of the foot have been 
mentioned in passing, but there are some points in connection 
with the physiology of the foot which need to be explained 
more in detail. 

ExjJansion and contraction. 

"When Aveight comes upon the leg, the os pedis descends 
slighth' and causes the sole to descend and flatten. The plantar 
cushion and horny frog are compressed between the ground 
below and the structures above; this compression causes them 
to spread out sidewise, carrying outAvard the lateral cartilages 
and bars and the Avail at the quarters. This is called expansion. 
When Aveight is removed from the leg, the plantar cushion 
becomes thicker and narroAver, and the lateral cartilages and 
quarters moA-e iuAvard to Avhere they Avere before expanding. 
This is called contract /o)i. The elastic lateral cartilage is 
merely a flexible extension of the Aving of the os pedis and 
Avould appear to haA'e been specially designed for expansion 
and contraction at the quarters. It is also to be noted that the 
bars are a proA^sion for this same purpose, since expansion and 
contraction could not take place if the Avail formed a solid 
unbroken ring around the hoof. 

In addition to breaking the jar Avhen the foot comes to the 
ground, the plantar cushion has another important use. It 



50 THE AEMY HORSE, 

assists in the circulation of the blood through the veins of the 
foot. When weight is placed iii)on the foot the pressure on 
the plantar cushion forces the blood upward through the veins; 
then, when the foot is lifted and the pressure is removed from 
the horny frog and plantar cushion, the veins of the frog again 
fill with blood, and this pumping action is repeated with each 
step. Proof of this statement is seen when a digital vein is cut, 
by accident or in experiment. If the horse is walked, a jet 
of blood spurts out each time he puts the foot to the ground ; 
but if he is allowed to stand the blood flows in a steady stream 
from the vein. Great injury to the foot results from starting 
the horse off suddenly at a fast gait on a hard road after he 
has been standing for some time or when he first comes out of 
the stable. The circulation (just explained) and the structures 
of the foot should have time to gradually adapt themselves to 
the change from rest to severe woi'k. 

Moisture. 

The wall of the healthy hoof, is, by weight, about one-fourth 
water, the sole more than one-third, and the frog almost one- 
half. This water is supplied by the blood and preserves the 
horn in a tough and elastic condition. The periople, which 
covers the wall, prevents the evaporation of water, and there- 
fore should never be rasped. As there is no similar covering 
for the sole and the frog, the layers of horn on their exposed 
surfaces dry out and die. The dead layers are hard and brittle, 
and gradually fall or flake off; but, as they preserve the mois- 
ture in the layers of live horn beneath, they should not be 
removed in preparing the hoof for shoeing. 

Shoeing. 

Shoeing is a necessary evil, but by remembering the func- 
tions of the various parts of the foot the damage resulting may 
be limited to a comparatively small amount. 

The following rules may serve as a guide for the shoeing of 
healthy feet: 

1. The wall being the weight bearer should be pared per- 
fectly level or the foot will be thrown out of its true position, 
causing extra strain on some of the ligaments. 

2. Fit the shoe accurately to the outline of the foot; do not 
alter the latter to fit the shoe. Easping away the exterior of 



THE ARMY HOESE. 51 

the crust to fit the shoe not only renders the horn brittle but 
is so much loss of bearing surface. 

3. The sole should not be touched with the knife ; loose flakes 
may be removed with a blunt instrument. 

4. The bars should not be cut away; they are a part of the 
wall and intended to carry weight. The shoe should rest on 
them, 

5. The frog should not be cut, but left to attain its full 
growth. Xo frog can perform its functions unless on a level 
with the ground surface of the shoe. 

G. The shoe should have a true and level bearing and rest 
well and firmly on the wall .and bars, 

A plain light-weight shoe is the best^plain on both ground 
and foot surface. 

7. High nailing is injurious; do not use any more nails than 
are absolutely necessary, as the nails destroy the horn. 



CHAPTER IV. 



AD3imiSTRATION OF MEDICINES— WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 

ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINES. 

Medicines may enter the body tlirougii any of the following 
designated channels : First, by the moiiih ; second, by the lungs 
and upper air passages ; third, by the skin ; fourth, under the 
skin (hypodermically) ; fifth, by the rectum; and sixth, by 
intravenous injection. 

By the month. — Medicines can be given by the mouth in the 
form of powders, balls, and drenches. 

By the air passages. — Medicines are administered to the 
lungs and upper air passages by inhalations and nasal douches. 

By the skin. — Care must be taken in applying some medi- 
cines over too large a portion of the body at any one time, as 
poisoning and death may follow from too rapid absorption 
through the skin. For domestic animals medicines are to be 
applied to the skin for local purposes or diseases only. 

By the rectum. — Medicines may be given by the rectum when 
we can not give or have them retained by the mouth ; when we 
want local action ; to destroy the small worms infesting the 
large bowels; to stimulate the natural movement of the intes- 
tine and cause an evacuation ; and to nourish the body. 

aveights and measures. 

Solid iiiciisHrc/'^ 

60 grains (gr.) 1 dram ( ; ). 

8 drams 1 ounce ( ; ). 

16 ounces 1 pound (lb.). 

L'kIIi'kI ///(•((.y//rc, 

60 minims (min.) 1 fluid dram (f. 3). 

8 fluid drams 1 fluid ounce (f, 3 ). 

16 fluid ounces 1 pint (O.). 

32 fluid ounces 1 quart (Oii.). 

4 quarts 1 gallon (Ci.). 

* The difl'erence in weight between the apothecaries' ounce (480 
grains) and the ounce avoirdupois (437.5 grains) is neglected in hand- 
ling veterinary or bulky medicines. 

(52) 



THE AKMY IIOKSE. 53 



PEESCKIPTIOXS. 



In writing prescriptions roman numerals are nsecl instead of 
arabic (ordinary figures) and the numerals follow the symbols, 
thus : 3 vii for 7 drams ; f " xii for 12 fluid drams, etc. 

FIELD EXPEDIENTvS. 

In garrison, doses must be accurately measured b}' scales or 
graduates, according to the tables of dry or liquid measnre, but 
in the field the following rough expedients may be nsed: 

Dry incdsiirc. 

j 1 ounce of lead acetate. 

\ m 1 f ounce of zinc sulijhate. 

An Ordnance spoon ^. ^ ^ 

(Heaping- full.) 3 drams of a powder. 

I 1 ounce of a salt. 

Ordnance tin cup -J of a quart. 

Full day's ration of medimn-weig'ht oats... 14 cup.s. 

Liquid iiicdftiire. 

A drop 1 minim. 

A teaspoonf ul 1 fluid dram. 

A tablesj)oonf ul.... J fluid ounce. 

Tin cup 28 ounces ^ | of a quart. 



CHAPTER V. 



WOUNDS, SPRAINS, BRUISES, ABRASIONS, AND ABSCESSES. 

WOUNDS AND THEIR TREATMENT. 

Wounds are classed as: Incised wounds, or cuts; lacerated 
wounds, or tears; and punctured wounds, or holes. 

x\. dressing is a local, periodically repeated treatment, pro- 
ducing a continued action, and often following the performance 
of an operation. It is the application upon the surface of the 
wound of healing substances, which, in some cases, are mechan- 
ically held in place by bandages, stitches, etc. 

Before applying a dressing the wound should be thoroughly 
cleansed and freed from blood, pus, the remains of previous 
dressing, and, in a word, of any foreign or other substances 
capable of becoming sources of irritation. This is best done 
with water, but the effect is frequently greatly improved by 
combining with it some of the antiseptics, such as carbolic acid, 
creolin, bichloride of mercury, etc. 

Antiseptics are remedies which prevent putrefaction, or 
rotting, and their combinations with water are called solutions. 

The solution may be applied by carefully passing a saturated 
ball of oakum over the surface of the wound, or it may be used 
more freely in larger ablutions (washings). Crusts or scabs, if 
present, may be removed with the scissors or scraped away Avitli 
the knife, but the finger nails must never be used for such a 
purpose, for the practice is both filthy and dangerous. The 
wound is to be handled onl}^ when necessary ; all needless 
handling irritates. If the wound is deep, it should be cleansed 
by syringing. 

The essential condition of cleanliness applies not only to the 
wound but also to the materials used for dressings, and soiled 
cloths or bandages and dirty oakum must be rigorously re- 
jected; everything coming in contact with a wound must be 
absolutely clean, hands as well as instruments and dressings. 

In the treatment of all wounds cleanliness is of more impor- 
tance than medication, but the two in combination, Avhen 
thoroughly and intelligently carried out, will leave no room for 

(54) 



THE AliMY HORSE, -00 . 

the propagation and ravages of those germs that cause tlie 
formation of pus, and retard the healing process. The farrier, 
or the man who is to care for the injured animal, should have 
his hands thoroughly clean, and should procure in a clean can 
or bucket a solution of creolin or other antiseptic, and several 
clean pieces of cotton, gauze, or oakum. Sponges are cleaned 
with difficulty and should not be used. 

If hemorrhage (bleeding) is profuse tne first step is to arrest 
the flow of blood b}' ligating (tying) the blood vessel or vessels 
Avith a piece of silk, or if none is at hand, with a clean piece of 
string; if the blood vessels can not be tied, a thick pad made of 
cotton or of several layers of gauze or clean cloth, folded so as 
to cover the wound, and held firmly in place by one or more 
cotton bandages, will check the flow of l^lood. This arrange- 
ment, called a compress^ should be left on until the hemorrhage 
ceases, and the wound treated as described later. 

In applying dressings (except compresses) unnecessary pres- 
sure should be avoided, especially on the soft tissues. 

Incised wounds. — If the injury is one that can be sutured 
(sewed) a needle and silk should be immersed in a solution of 
creolin — creolin 1 part, water 50 parts; the air around the 
wound should either be shaved or be clipped with a pair of 
shears, and the wound thoroughly cleansed by washing it with 
cotton saturated with the creolin solution; all dirt and hair 
must be removed, all ragged edges, i'f any, cut away, and the 
edges of the woimd placed in contact with each other if possible 
and held in place l)y the aid of sutures, care being taken to allow 
free drainage; the wound should then be wiped dry with a 
fresh piece of cotton or gauze, and over the surface should be 
dusted some iodoform or acetanilid. If the location will per- 
mit, the wound should be covered with a pad of gauze or ab- 
sorbent cotton, and a cotton bandage wrapped around the parts 
to hold the pad in place. The wound should be dressed once or 
twice a day until tlie formation of pus ceases; when the wound 
is dry, only the powder should be used. 

Lacerated wounds. — If the wound is a large one, with the 
skin and tissues so badly torn and lacerated as not to admit of 
the use of sutures, the torn and ragged edges (especially if the 
lower part of the wound hangs down) should be removed with 
the knife or scissors and the wound dressed as above directed. 
AYhen the wound begins to granulate (fill with new tissue) 
care should be taken that the granulations are not allowed to 



Ob THE ARMY IIOKSE. 

grow out higher tlian the skin, causing the condition Knows as 
2)roud fiesh. 

The treatment of proud flesh consists in the removal of the 
unhealthy tissue by the use of the knife or by the application of 
a red-hot iron; burnt alum or salicylic acid dusted upon the 
surface of the wound will also destroy the unhealthy granules. 

Pxinctwred twowne^s.— Punctured wounds (except those around 
joints) should be explored with a probe to ascertain if any 
foreign bodies are in the channel; if so, they should lie re- 
moved, and if necessary a dependent opening be made to allow 
perfect drainage. The parts should then be syringed out 
thoroughly Avith a solution of creolin, 1 to 50; carbolic acid, 
1 to 20 or 30; or, bichloride of mercury, 1 to 1,000, and the out-- 
side opening sprinkled with iodoform. This treatment should 
be applied twice daily. 

Wounds of the lips, nostrils, and ej^elids heal very rapidly ; if 
of several days' standing they should have their edges scraped 
and then be sutured, and iodoform or acetanilid dusted over the 
surface twice daily. 

An excellent antiseptic solution for the treatment of wounds 
during fly time is made by dissolving 8 ounces of gum camphor 
in 3 ounces of carbolic acid. Apj^ly with a clean swab several 
times daily. 

Punctured ivounds around joints. 

Open joint is a wound situated on a joint and extending 
through the capsular ligament, allowing the joint oil to escape. 

Treatment. — Remove the hair and thoroughly clean the parts 
around the wound ; unless a. foreign body is knoAvn to be lodged 
in it do not probe or explore, as the introduction of any instru- 
ment, even if thoroughly clean, will be the means of setting up 
considerable inflammation. Wash thoroughly with a solution 
of bichloride of mercury, 1 to 1,000; then sprinkle with iodo- 
form, and, if possible, bandageas before recommended ; sutures 
may be used, provided movement of the joint and tearing can 
be prevented. When the wound is not likely to heal quickly, or 
simple treatment has failed, a blister of biniodide of mercury 
1 part, cosmoline 4 parts, may be applied, for the purpose of 
closing the opening, limiting motion, and relieving pain. 

CAUSE AXD TREATMENT OF SPRAINS. 

Sprains affect muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The fibers 
of which they are composed are severely stretched, sometimes 



PLATE X. 



'% 












|UI||Ha ^I^^^^^^H 

HHjl ^^Hh 



Fig. 1 , Curb. Fig. 2, Bursal enlargement. Fig. 3, Sprain of the flexor tendons 
(bowed tendons). Fig. 4, Line firing. Fig. 5, Capped hock. 



THE AK.AIY IIOESE. 57 

torn in serious cases, causing inflammation and subsequent con- 
traction, and, in case of muscles, atrophy or sweeny (wasting 
away). 

Stixiins of the muscles. 

Muscle strains occur in various parts of the trunk and limbs ; 
thus, a horse \\\i\j strain the neck muscles, as a result of falling 
on the head ; the muscles of the dorsal region may be strained 
by the hind feet slipping backward. "\^lien a muscle is strained 
the injury is succeeded by pain, swelling, heat, and loss of 
function. 

An inflamed muscle can no longer contract; hence in some 
strains the symptoms resemble those of paralysis. 

Sprains of the suspensonj U(/ament and fexor tendons. 

The fibrous structures situated behind the cannon bone, both 
in the front and hind legs, are often the seat of lacerations or 
sprains resulting from violent efforts or sudden jerks. The 
injury is easily recognized by the changed appearance of the 
parts (Plate X, Fig. .3), which become more or less swollen; 
the swelling usually extending from the knee down to the fet- 
lock and occasionally even farther. It is always characterized 
by heat and is variously sensitive, ranging from a mere- tender- 
ness to a degree of soreness which shrinks from the lightest 
touch. The degree of lameness corresjionds to the severity of 
the injury. 

Spi'ains of ligaments. 

The calcaneo-cuboid ligament, situated at the back part of 
the hock and uniting the calcaneum, the cuboid, and the ex- 
ternal splint bones, is frequently sprained. This condition is 
known as a '■'■curV (Plate X, Fig. 1). 

The various ligaments entering into the formation of joints 
are subject to sprains and injuries. This condition is indicated 
by lameness, accompanied by pain, heat, and swelling. 

The capsular ligament Avhen sprained very often becomes 
weakened, resulting in distention of the synovial sac (Plate X, 
Fig, 2). Bursal enlargements receive different names, accord- 
ing to their location. Bog spavin is a characteristic bursal en- 
largement. It is found on the front and inner side of the hock 
joint and varies in size with the amount of distention of the 
capsular ligament. The. trouble is usually caused by slipping. 



58 THE AEMY HORSE. 

hard and fast work, irregular exercise, and high feeding. 
Draft animals, pulling heavy loads over rough or slippery 
ground, are particularly subject to this injury, which is also 
more commonly seen in young than in mature animals. The 
swelling can be readily detected; under pressure it fluctuates; 
heat may or may not be present ; lameness rarely results unless 
the injury be accompanied by complications, such as hone 
spavin or bony deposits. 

In sprain of the stifle joint, the ligaments holding it in 
position are severely stretched, in some cases sprained or 
ruptured, and even dislocation of the patella may occur. In 
this trouble the patella is forced outward and thus makes the 
joint immovable, the leg being extended backward and the foot 
resting on the toe. If the animal is forced to move, he drags 
the leg, being unable to bring it forward in the natural manner 
on account of the dislocation. The bone is returned to place in 
the following manner: A rope having been placed about the 
pastern, the leg is steadily drawn forward by one or more 
assistants, while the operator stretches the patella forward 
and inward. When the bone regains its proper position, the 
animal has proper control of his leg. Reduce the inflammation 
promptly and blister as explained below. In case the patella 
persists in slipping out again, a rope should be fastened to the 
pastern and attached to the collar. about the horse's neck; the 
rope should be drawn tight enough to prevent the horse extend- 
ing his leg to the rear, but allowing him to stand upon it; keep 
the rope on until the blister has worked. 

General treatment of sprains. — Perfect rest is absolutely 
necessary and must never be overlooked in the treatment of all 
sprains; therefore the injured animal should be at once removed 
to a level stall where it can remain until complete recovery has 
taken place. Hot or cold applications should be applied to the 
injured parts. These applications should be in the form of 
fomentations (bathing), or bandages saturated with water. 
Flannel bandages must not be allowed to dry while in contact 
with the injured parts, as flannel applied wet, shrinks in drying, 
and will not only retard the reparative process, but cause un- 
necessary pain. Cold water is often materially assisted in 
accomplishing the desired results by the addition of acetate of 
lead or sulphate of zinc, witch-hazel, or nitrate of potash. A 
convenient solution is made as follows: Acetate of lead and 
sulphate of zinc, each 1 ounce; water, 1 quart; or, 1 pint of 



THE ARMY HOESE. 59 

witch-hazel, 1 ounce of acetate of lead, and water enough to 
make 1 quart. If pain is very severe the following may be 
used : Tincture opium, 4 ounces ; acetate of lead, 2 ounces ; water 
to make 1 quart; this application is of more benefit when 
applied warm. All applications should be used several times 
dail3^ 

If, after the inflammation is reduced, the parts remain large 
and swollen, benefit will result from the application of tincture 
of iodine, well rubbed in, twice a day. If this treatment fails 
to restore the parts to their normal condition in a reasonable 
length of time, a blister should be applied. It is made as fol- 
lows: Cantharides (pow^dered) 1 part, cosmoline 4 to 5 parts; 
or, cantharides (pow^lered) 1 part, biniodide mercury 1 part, 
cosmoline 4 to 6 parts. 

Before applying either the blister or the iodine the hair 
should be clipped from the parts to which the medicine is to 
be applied. To obtain the best results from the blister it should 
be well rubbed in for at least fifteen minutes. The animal 
milst be tied in such a manner that he can not reach the 
blistered part with his mouth ; the blister should be left on for 
a period of twenty-four to forty-eight hours; it must then be 
removed by washing with w^arm w^ater and castile soap. After 
the blister has been removed the animal may be untied. The 
parts should be kept clean, free from scabs, and soft from the 
use of cosmoline, olive oil, or glycerin. 

Rest is necessary throughout the treatment, and even to test 
his soundness the animal should not be moved more than is 
necessary. 

If the disease does not yield to blisters, the parts must be 
fired. For this operation, two kinds of instruments are used : 
The thermo-cautery ^ which generates its own heat, and the 
more common form, the iron heated in the fire. Two methods 
of firing are in general use: Line firing, for diseases of the 
tendons, ligaments, etc. (Plate X, Fig. 4), and puncture firing, 
for diseases of the bone (Chapter XI). 

BRUISES. 

In the cavalry horse the most frequent bruises are saddle 
and cinch galls, and bruises of the withers. 

Certain horses suffer more than others, on account of the 
presence of old sores, scars, or scabs, or because of peculiarities 
in conformation. 



60 THE ARMY HORSE. 

The principal defects in conformation (previously noted) 
are: Abnormally high or abnormally low and thick withers; 
the keel-shaped breast, accompanied b}" flat ribs and light 
flanks, and the broad or bulging barrel. 

Old horses sometimes have the muscles in the saddle bed atro- 
phied, and are therefore more liable to contract saddle galls. 

All horses, whatever their conformation, are subject to saddle 
and cinch galls, produced mechanically by three causes: First, 
unequal distribution of weight; second, faults in saddling and 
cinching ; third, poor riding. 

xVfter a long ride, the blood vessels under the saddle and 
cinch are compressed and almost empty. If it is suspected that 
saddle or cinch galls may have been formed, it is advisable to 
leave the saddle on for a half hour to an hour after dismount- 
ing ; the cinch should be loosened very slUjlitlij. 

If pressure be suddenly and completely removed, blood 
is vigorously forced into the paralyzed vessels, and may rupture 
their walls. On the other hand, if the saddle is allowed to 
remain some time in position, circulation is gradually restored 
without injury. 

Treatment. — As soon as a swelling is noticed, application of 
cold in the form of pads kept saturated with cold water and 
massage in the form of gentle stroking with the fingers will aid 
in the absorjDtion of the fluids causing the swelling. 

Injuries to the withers require difi'erent treatment — cold 
applications without pressure and without massage, on account 
of the danger of the fluids burrowing. 

A solution made of the following is a very good application 
for bruises : Sugar of lead 2 ounces, laudanum 4 ounces, water 
to make 1 quart. To be applied several times daily. Or a 
poultice made of flaxseed meal, to which has been added an 
antiseptic, such as creolin, carbolic acid, etc. 

Bruises caused by kicks or running against an obstacle should 
be treated by applications of water, and if painful, an anodyne 
(pain reducing) liniment. The following makes a good ano- 
dyne: Witch-hazel 2 parts, tincture opium 1 part, tincture 
aconite \ part, water 2 parts. Apply locally with the hand. 

Artillerv horses are subject to the same injuries, produced b}' 
the saddle and cinch, as are cavalry horses, and, in addition, 
may be bruised about the neck and shoulders by the collar. If 
the collar has not broken or chafed the skin (see " Abrasions ") 
treat the bruises as previously directed. 



THE ARMY HORSE. 61 

The ichite lotion^ composed of 1 ounce each of sugar of 
lead and sulphate of zinc, water 1 quart, is a most excellent 
remedy for bruises and also for abraisons. 

Bruises of the sole and heel. 

These are quite frequent, and should be treated by hot or cold 
applications, accomplished by holding the foot in a tub or pail 
of water, or by incasing the foot in a hot flaxseed-meal poultice. 

Capped elhow — shoe hoil. 

This is a bruise at the point of the elbow, and is caused by the 
horse h'ing on the heels of his shoe; to prevent further injury, 
place a large roll aroinid the pastern at night, and apply 
tincture of iodine twice daily, until the swelling is removed. 
In case of great swelling and heat, apply hot and cold water, 
or the white lotion, until the heat disappears; then proceed as 
above. 

Capped liocJy. 

(Plate X, Fig-. 5.) 

Capped hock is a swelling, more or less soft, found on the 
point of the hock, and usually caused by kicking in the stall, or 
by bruising the parts during transportation by rail or sea. 
Tincture of iodine is a very good remedy for this injury. 

Only in extreme cases is it advisable to use the knife in the 
treatment of shoe boils and capped hock. As soon as the parts 
are opened pus rapidly forms, and the inflammation (infection 
bv germs) may extend to the inner structures, causing a condi- 
tion that will not readily jdeld to treatment. 

Sitfast. 

Sitfasts are patches of dry, dead skin, and may involve the 
deeper tissues; they are caused by continuous pressure of the 
saddle, cinch, or collar, and may be situated on the side of 
the body, back, side of withers, shoulder, or neck. 

Treatment. — With the knife remove all dead and bruised tis- 
sue, stimulate the sore at the sides b}^ the use of lunar caustic, 
and treat as a common wound. 'W'lien there is no more forma- 
tion of pus, and the parts are perfectly dry, do not apply 
liquids, but use iodoform until well. 



62 THE AEMY IIOESE. 

Fistulous withers. 

(Plate XI, Fig. 1.) 

Fistulous withers is an abscess (gathering) having a more or 
less chronic discharge of pus from one or more openings situ- 
ated in the immediate vicinity of the withers; it may involve 
only the soft structures, or the bones may also be affected; it 
is caused hy a bruise, and generall3^ in the army, by a bruise 
from an ill-fitting saddle. 

Treatment. — Treat as explained under "Abscesses.'' If, after 
a reasonable length of time, results are not satisfactory, a surgi- 
cal operation is necessary. 

Poll ceil. 

(Plate XI, Fig. 2.) 

Poll evil is the result of a bruise on the poll. It is similar 
to fistulous withers, and should receive the same treatment. 

ABRASIONS. 

An abrasion, or chafe, is an inflammation of the skin, result- 
ing from friction. Parts of the equipment frequently wear 
away the hair and leave the skin raw and tender. 

Treatment. — One ounce of tannic acid in a pint of witch- 
hazel is especially valuable for collar chafes; zinc oxide as a 
dusting powder is effective and the white lotion is always bene- 
ficial. In emergencies, bathe the parts with cold water to 
which a little salt has been added. 

Rope hum. 

Rope burn is an abrasion, usually at the back of the joastern, 
and caused by the animal becoming entangled in the halter 
shank, picket line, or lariat. The injury may be simply a 
chafe of the superficial layer of the skin or it may involve the 
deeper structures. In the latter case it is of a serious nature 
and requires careful attention. 

Treatment. — If possible, give the animal complete rest. Clip 
the hair from the injured parts, at the same time removing any 
torn skin; wash with some good antiseptic, such as solution of 
creolin or carbolic acid, and apply a dusting powder, such as 
zinc oxide or iodoform, the former preferably. Apply a pad 
of clean cotton and secure with a cotton bandage; change the 
dressing daily. Should the parts be slow in healing, an occa- 
sional dressing of tincture of iodine is beneficial, and good re- 



PLATE XI. 




Fig. 1 , Fistulous withers. Fig. 2, Poll evil. 



THE AEMY HOESE. 63 

suits are often obtained by alternating this with a dressing of 
olive oil 3 parts and ereolin 2 parts. Should proud flesh ap- 
pear, the three sulphates (iron, copper, and zinc) niny be nsed, 
or powdered copper sulphate alone. Use until the granules 
disappear. When the wound begins to heal niceh^, it is better 
to dispense with the pad and bandage, 

ABSCESSES. 

An abscess is an unnatural collection, in the tissues^ of fluids, 
such as pus or serum. It is the result of inflammation caused 
by an injury or by the infection of pus germs. The swelling 
usualW softens at some point, unless it be filled with serum, in 
which case it is soft and fluctuates at all points and lies directly 
beneath the skin. 

Soft, puffy swellings in the neighborhood of joints and 
tendons should not be mistaken for abscesses, as they are 
usually bursal enlargements, filled with synovia and requiring 
different treatment. (See "General treatment of sprains.") 

Ti'eatment. — A pus abscess, if slow in development, should be 
poulticed until it softens at some part, where it can be opened 
by cutting through the skin; then insert a blunt instrument 
through the wall into the pus cavitj^, thus avoiding any danger 
of injury to blood vessels or other structures. AVhen freely 
opened, the cavity should be flushed out twice daily with some 
antiseptic solution, care being exercised to prevent the external 
wound from healing before the formation of pus has ceased. 
In every case provision must be made for free drainage at the 
lowest point. 

A serous abscess (one in which we find the yellowish, watery, 
and often bloody serum) is treated as follows: Clip the hair 
away and wash the skin with an antiseptic; with an instru- 
ment that has been thoroughly disinfected make a small open- 
ing; after all fluid has escaped apply a blister of biniodide of 
mercury, 1 to G, over the outside of the area occupied by the 
original swelling. If it fills again, repeat the treatment. 



CHAPTER VI. 



DISEASES OF THE RESI HIATORY SYSTEM A\D INFLUENZA. 

ACUTE KASAL CATARRH. 

Acute nasal catarrh (simple cold in the head) is usually 
caused by standing in a draft, and may be detected by the dis- 
charge from the nostrils. It is usually accompanied by a 
cough, loss of ai^petite, and elevation of temperature (fever). 
The discharge is at first of the consistency of water, but may in 
severe cases become much thicker, and form dry crusts on the 
edges of the nostrils. 

Treatment. — The mild form does not require treatment; it 
ends rapidly in a cure. In severe cases, fumigation (steaming) 
from a hot solution of creolin or carbolic acid (1 ounce to \ pa.il 
of hot water) constitutes an excellent local treatment. Give 
bran mashes, and administer twice daily \ ounce of saltpeter, 
or 2 drams of chloride of ammonia until the animal has recov- 
ered; the chloride of ammonia is best administered on the 
tongue. If the cough is frequent and the horse has difficulty 
in swallowing, the following liniment should be applied to the 
throat: Solution of ammonia 1 part, oil of turpentine 1 part, 
olive oil 2 parts, x^pply twice daily. 

CHROXIC NASAL CATARRPI. 

Chronic nasal catarrh is usually an unfavorable termination 
of simple catarrh; or it may result from injury and chronic 
inflammation of the nasal cavities; from tumors, parasites, 
abscesses, etc., in the nasal cavities; from diseases of the teeth; 
from chronic diseases of the respiratory (breathing) apparatus 
in general; and from chronic constitutional diseases. 

Symptoms. — The discharge is quite thick and becomes glued 
to the sides of the nostrils ; its color varies from a dirty white 
to a yellowish gray; it frequently has a fetid (foul) odor; the 
quantity varies; the discharge is usually from one nostril, but 
both may be affected; in cases of long standing small ulcers 
(sores) may occasionally be seen in the nostrils; they are 
superficial (on the surface), are defined hy sharp edges that 



THE AEMY IIOKSE. 65 

are not thickened, and heal without leaving a scar. (The 
nicer of glanders, which will be studied later, has edges shaped 
like saw teeth, and when healed leaves a jagged scar.) 

Treatment. — Is usually local and as follows: Fumigation 
with hot water, to which antiseptics have been added (2 ounces 
of creolin or 2 ounces of carbolic acid to a half bucketful of 
water) ; the steaming to continue at least one-half hoiu' twice 
daily. If no definite cause of the discharge can be found, good 
results may be obtained by administering 2 drams of powdered 
copper sulphate or the same amount of iron sulphate, in the 
food or in a ball. In most cases, when the discharge is from 
one nostril only, an operation is necessary to effect a cure. 

As the symptoms of this disease are so similar to glanders, 
the animal should be isolated. The utensils, such as buckets, 
forks, brooms, currj'combs, blankets, etc., should not be used 
about other horses. 

PHARYNGITIS AND LARYNGITIS SORE THROAT. 

Sore throat is an inflammation of the lining membrane im- 
mediately in the rear of the mouth and is caused by irritating 
bodies bruising the tissues, by sudden changes in the tempera- 
ture, and by infection. 

Symptoms. — Diminution of the appetite, cough, stiffness of 
the head, soreness when pressure is applied to the throat, a con- 
siderable amount of mucus and saliva in the mouth, escaping 
in long, transparent threads. Swallowing of liquids is pain- 
ful; they are rejected through the nose and are often of a 
greenish color and contain quantities of food. Temperature 
may range from normal to 100° F., with difficulty in breatliing. 

Treatment. — The sick animal should be separated from the 
healthy ones and placed in a comfortable box stall, free from 
drafts, but well ventilated, and should be given green food or 
very fine hay, steamed oats, bran, or gruel ; fresh water should 
be left within reach. 

The lips and nostrils should be kept perfectly clean and the 
mouth washed frequently with fresh water. Cold compresses 
should be used if the parts are hot, tender, and painful. If an 
abscess is likely to form, poultices of linseed meal may be 
applied, and the abscess, when ready, should be opened, but 
never with a knife. Cut through the skin only and then insert 
a blunt instrument, or the finger, and allow the pus to escape. 

20844 5 



66 THE ARIMY IIOESE. 

If the animal breathes with great difficiilty. manifested by 
making a loud, wheezing sound, an opening should be made in 
his wihdjDipe and the edges of the opening held apart b}^ 
inserting a suture in each side, tying the silk ends up over the 
neck; or, a tube may be inserted in the opening. This opera- 
tion is called tracheotomy. 

The sore-throat 'patient should never he drenched. If the 
horse should cough Avhile taking medicine in this manner, the 
liquid might enter the lungs and cause pneumonia. 

Fever may be combatted by cold-water injections into the 
rectum, 1 to 2 gallons at a time. 



STRANGLES, COMMONLY CALLED '^DISTEMPER. 



Strangles is an acute, infectious disease, and usually attacks 
young horses. 

Symptoms. — The disease begins with a high fever, ranging 
from 104° to 10G° ; a discharge from the nose, at first watery, 
rapidly becoming thicker, and later assuming a whitish-gray 
or greenish-yellow color. The glands below the lower jaw 
become swollen, hot, and painful ; loss of appetite, depression, 
great muscular weakness, and, occasionally, swelling of the 
hind legs follow. Sometimes a swelling may be found on some 
portion of the windpipe or other part of the body. 

Treatment. — Separate the sick animal from the healthy ones 
and place him in a well-ventilated stall, free from drafts; clean 
the nostrils frequently ; clothe the body according to the season 
of the year; apply hot poultices to the abscess several times 
daily, and, as soon as pus is formed, open and wash twice daily. 

Give easily digested food, green fodder, roots, or slops made 
of bran or steamed oats, and to his drinking water add ^ 
ounce of saltpeter ; do not drench, as the throat in many cases 
is sore. 

PNEU3rONIA. 

Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung structure, and 
usually runs a course of from seven to ten days. 

Causes. — Among the external causes of the disease are to be 
particularly mentioned excessive exertion and cold; also care- 
lessness in giving a drench, particularly if the animal has a 
sore throat, 

Symptoms. — The first symptom is an intense fever accompa- 
niecl by a chill ; the patient shows great fatigue and muscular 
weakness; temperature ranges from 103° to 107°, the appetite 



THE ak:\[y iioese. 67 

is diminished, at times almost ^Ya^ti^g•; the patient is con- 
stipated, breathing is rapid and difficult ; the nostrils are much 
dilated, and ex^Dired air is warmer than usual; the ears and 
legs are cold. There is frequently a rusty red or rusty yellow 
discharge from the nose. The animal remains standing con- 
stantly, with the fore legs spread, or it may lie down- for a short 
time onl}^; a cough may or may not be present. 

Treatment. — Great care should be given to the diet; in order 
to keep up his strength, give any food that the animal will 
eat — steamed oats, carrots, or green grass if possible, gruel, 
etc. Place him in a well-ventilated box stall free from drafts, 
and clothe the body and legs a:ccording to the season of the 
year ; warm blankets wrapped around the chest if the weather 
is not too hot will be of advantage. In warm Aveather, if flies 
are troublesome, a thin sheet made of gunn}^ sacks should be 
placed upon the animal. Quinine sulphate 1 dram, gentian 
root 2 drams, makes a good tonic. It should be repeated three 
times daily. 

Cold injections into the rectum will reduce the fever. 

Alcohol, 4 to 5 ounces, and potassium nitrate, ^ ounce, should 
be added to the drinking water. 

HEAVES. 

Heaves is a chronic disease of the lungs, manifested in a 
quick inspiration and a double expiration. 

Symptoms. — Cough of a chronic nature ; discharge from the 
nostrils after exertion; characteristic breathing, as described 
above, which is aggravated by damp, muggy weather, and by 
dusty, coarse, and bulky fodder, such as clover \\fxj or dirty 
oats. Climate has a marked influence; in high, dry altitudes, 
this trouble is unknown. 

Treatment. — Alwaj^s water before feeding, and feed more 
grain and less hay. The food must be clean, should be moistened 
before feeding, and the bowels should be kept loosened by 
frequent bran mashes. Never exercise a horse with heaves just 
after feeding; if he must accompany the organization, feed 
him earlier than the others. 

infeuexza' (pink eye.) 

Influenza is a contagious disease. It affects first the respira- 
tory tract, but also involves the nerve centers, circulatorj^ 
system, the lining membranes of the intestines, and the e^^es. 



t)8 THE AEMY HORSE. 

■Symptoms. — The first symptoms are loss of appetite, depres- 
sion and weakness; the temperature rises rapidly to 105° or 
107° in severe cases; the animal holds his head low and has a 
stupid look; he staggers when walking, and the visible mucous 
membranes are of a yellowish tinge. 

When the digestive organs are affected, colics (gripes) 
occur frequently. In the beginning, constipation is the rule 
and the dung is coated with a whitish-yellow, mucus layer; 
later diarrhea occurs and the dung is doughy, soft, or liquid. 
The eyelids are sometimes swollen shut and are hot and sensi- 
tive to the touch. The legs and sheath are sometimes swollen 
and the lower portion of the belly may be similarly" affected. 

Treatment. — Isolate sick animals for their own comfort and 
the safety of healthy subjects, as influenza is usually a serious 
disease. Give quinine sulphate 1 dram, gentian 2 drams, in a 
ball, three times, daily; acid \ ounce saltpeter to the drinking 
water tw^ice daily. The fever may be reduced -by rectal injec- 
tions of cold water. 

Intestinal troubles may be relieved by the administration of 
bicarbonate of soda in dram doses three times daily; if pain is 
ver}^ severe, 2 drams of fluid extract of cannabis indica may be 
given. Bathe the eyes, if swollen, with warm water. Good 
nursing and laxative food are essential, cold water being kept 
where the animal can help himself. 



PLATE XII. 




Characteristic symptoms of spasmodic colic. 



CHAPTER Vi. 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE, URINARY, NERVOUS, AND 
LYMPHATIC SYSTEMS. 

Diseases of the Digestive System. 

. spasmodic colic — gripes. 

(Plate XII.) 

Spasmodic colic is a painful contraction of the intestines. 
The usual seat of the trouble is the small intestines, and it is 
usiiall}^ caused by internal or external cold. 

Symptoms. — The suffering is A^ery violent but of short dura- 
tion; the spasms appear suddenl}' and disappear with the same 
rapidity. The horse paws, stamps, looks around at his flanks, 
lies dov\'n and rolls, and if the pain is ver}^ severe, sweats pro- 
fusely. During the attack a few pellets of dung may be passed, 
and attempts to pass urine are frequently made. This latter 
symptom has misled many persons to the impression that the 
disease Avas located in the " urinary organs." 

Treatment. — Place the animal in a large, well-bedded stall 
and give the following: Cannabis indica 2 to 4 drams, aro- 
matic spirits ammonia 1 ounce, Avater to make 1 pint. Or, 
fluid extract belladonna 2 drams, nitrous ether 2 ounces, Avater 
to make 1 pint. Either one of these prescriptions can be given 
at one dose and repeated in three-quarters of an hour. If the 
animal is not relieved in one hour, give a purgatiA^e of aloes 
(physic ball). 

Warm-Avater injections, per rectum, are often of adA^antage. 

flatulent colic. 

Flatulent colic is generally due to the animal liaA^ng eaten 
improper foods, such as musty oats, sour bran, green corn, etc., 
Avhich interfere Avith the process of digestion and giA^e off much 
gas. It is sometimes caused merely by a sudden change of diet 
from oats to corn. This trouble is also frequently obserA^ed in 
horses that haA'e the habit of Avind sucking. 

Symptoms. — The rajnd SAvelling of the belly constitutes the 
characteristic symptom. The abdomen is distended, the pain is 

(69) 



70 THE AEMY HORSE. 

not SO severe as in spasmodic colic, but more constant. "With 
the increase of swelling the breathing becomes more difficult, 
anxiety and restlessness are shown, walking is painful, and the 
animal staggers, lies down and rolls, but only for a short time. 
Treatment. — Place the horse in a large, roomy stall, and give 
the following drench: Sulphuric ether 2 ounces, aromatic 
spirits of ammonia 1 ounce, fluid extract belladonna 2 drams, 
water to make 1 pint. Repeat in one hour if necessary. 
Should the animal not be relieved after the second dose, admin- 
ister a purgative. Cold-water injections into the rectum are 
sometimes of advantage. If the abdomen continues to distend 
with gas, the trocar and canula must be used. This is an 
instrument for puncturing the intestine, but should be used 
only by one w^ho understands the operation. The instrument, 
as well as the seat of the operation, should be thoroughly dis- 
infected. 

ENTERITIS INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS. 

Cause. — This disease is sometimes due to the action of cold: 
sudden chilling when the body is in a perspiring condition, the 
SAvallowing of very cold water, of frozen or frost-covered 
fodder, etc. It is sometimes a complication of the colics and 
is frequently seen as a result of impaction or twisting of the 
bowels. 

Symptotns. — The mucous membrane of the nose, mouth, and 
eyes is congested and reddened, the mouth is hot and dry. 
Respiration is increased, pulse is hard and rapid, temperature 
is elevated, 103° to 105° F. Colicky pains are continuous; the 
horse walks about the stall, paws, lies down carefully, rolls, and 
tries to halance himself on his hack. As a rule the bowels are 
constipated, but when this disease is due to irritating foods or 
medicines purgation and flatulenc}^ may be present. 

The small, hard pulse ; high temperature ; aged and anxious 
appearance of the face; continuous pain, which is increased by 
pressure upon the abdomen ; position of the horse when down, 
and coldness of the ears and legs, will enable anyone to diagnose 
a case of enteritis. When mortification (death) of the bowels 
sets in, all pain ceases and the animal will stand quietly, some- 
times for several hours. Toward the last he sighs, breathes 
hard, staggers and pitches about, and dies in a state of delirium. 

It is a very serious disease and in the majority of cases proves 
fatal. Death may take place in six hours, or not until after 
several days. 



THE AR3IY HORSE. 71 

Treatment. — To controrthe pain give large doses of pow- 
dered opium, laudanum, or cannabis indica. 

The following prescription is recommended: Opium, pow- 
dered, 2 drams ; calomel, I dram. Make into a ball ; give at 
once, and repeat in one or two hours if necessary. Blankets 
wrung out in hot water and applied to the abdomen are some- 
times of benefit, but to obtain good results they must be kept 
hot for several hours. 

CHRONIC INDIGESTION. 

Chronic indigestion is a chronic catarrh of the stomach and 
bowels, the causes of which are: Irregularity in feeding and 
watering; feeding when the animal is in an exhausted condi- 
tion; imperfect mastication and incomplete salivation of food 
due to irregularities of the grinding surfaces of the molar 
teeth ; and food of a poor quality, deficient in nutriment. 

The presence of worms is a frequent cause of this disease. 

Symptoms. — Appetite diminished or capricious and de- 
praved, frequent gaping, constipation; periodic colics are fre- 
quently observed, the coat is rough and staring, and the skin is 
tightly adherent to the body, the condition known as " hide- 
bouncl." The animal has an unthrifty appearance generally. 

Treatment. — Give small quantities of good, nutritious, and 
well-salted food three times daily. 

The water should be pure and given regularly. 

Regular exercise and good grooming will hasten recovery, by 
stimulating the skin as well as other parts of the bod3^ 

If the appetite is diminished, give as a tonic: Gentian 2 
ounces, iron sulphate 1 ounce, nux vomica 1^ ounces, nitrate 
potash li ounces. Mix. ]\Iake twelve powders. Give one 
powder twice a day. 

Bicarbonate of soda is a very useful medicine to counteract 
the acidity (sourness) of the stomach. Dose, 1 dram, twice 
a day ; the doses may be continued for several days. 

If intestinal worms are the exciting cause, they must be re- 
moved, and until this has been accomplished the animal will 
retain its unthrifty condition although it may brighten up 
temporarily. 

The following prescription is recommended : Spirits turpen- 
tine 2 ounces, oil linseed 4 ounces. Give before feeding and 
repeat once a day for four days; then follow up with 1 pint 
of linseed oil. 



72 . THE AR^rY IIOKSE. 

DIARRIIEAl 

This term is applied to all cases of simple purging in which 
the feces (clung) are loose, liquid, and frequently'- discharged. 

Diarrhea may be a spontaneous effort to discharge from the 
intestines something which is obnoxious to them or to the sys- 
tem generalh^ It is caused by various agencies, such as indi- 
gestible food, sudden change of diet — particularly from a dry 
to a moist one — medicinal substances, worms, derangement of 
the liver, or large drafts of water when the animal is heated. 
Some animals are particularly predisposed to diarrhea from 
trivial causes. Narrow-loined, flat-sicled, and loosely coupled 
horses — that is to say, horses in which the distance between the 
point of the hip and last rib is long — and those of a nervous 
temperament are apt to purge without apparent cause. These 
are called washy horses. They are hard to keep in condition 
and require the best of food. 

Symptoms. — Purging, the fecal matter being semifluid, of a 
dirty-brown color, without offensive odor, or clay-colored and 
fetid. If the condition continues long the animal loses flesh 
and the appetite is wanting. , 

Treatment. — "Wlien the purging arises from the presence of 
some offending matter in the intestinal canal (sand, worms, un- 
digested food, etc.) its expulsion must be aided by a moderate 
dose of linseed oil (H pints). 

If the purging arises from no apparent cause, or if the bowels 
do not regain their normal condition after the action of the oil 
has subsided, it will be necessary to give astringents (binding 
medicines), such as tannic acid, 1 to 2 drams. The following- 
prescription may also be used : Gum camphor 1 ounce, opium, 
powdered, 1 ounce. Mix. Make eight powders and give one 
powder every three or four hours, according to the severitj^ of 
the case. Great care must be exercised, as evil results may 
follow if the bowels are checked too soon. 

Diseases of the Urinary System. 

acute nephritis inflammation of the kidneys. 

Causes. — It is at times produced by the action of cold; it 
also happens frequently in the course of infectious (catching) 
diseases. The kidneys become irritated by the presence of 
waste materials of the food, such as mold, rust, etc., or by the 
j)assage of certain medicines, such as turpentine, cantharides, 



THE ARjMY horse. 73 

etc. Inflammation and partial or total clogging of the organ 
result. Cantharides will reach the kidnej^s after absorption 
from a large blistered surface. 

Symptoms. — The most important and often the only mani- 
festations of nephritis (in the course of infectious diseases, for 
instance) are furnished by the urine. Its quantity is dimin- 
ished; it is thickened; of abnormal color ; occasionally it is the 
color of blood. Micturation (pissing) is painful; the urine 
often runs otf drop by drop only, notwithstanding the violent 
efforts made by the jDatient. In serious cases the urinary secre- 
tion may be completely suppressed. 

The lumbar region is ver}- sensitive to the pressure of the 
hand. At the beginning of the disease we often have renal or 
kidney colics. The back is arched, the gait stiff and stagger- 
ing, rising is painful; the animal remains almost constantly 
standing. The appetite may be lost. The temperature is ele- 
vated; in some cases it may range very high. 

Treatment. — Remove the cause if possible; avoid all irrita- 
ting food or medicines, and give absolute rest. Try to induce 
sweating by energetic rubbings upon the surface of the Avhole 
body; also by warm blankets, and wet, tepid compresses ap- 
plied upon the loins. Give the following physic: Aloes 6 
drams, calomel 1 dram, ginger 1 dram. Make into a ball and 
give at one dose. It has a most favorable action, because the 
jDurging draws a large quantity of water from the s^^stem. 

If there is a total supi)ression of urine, \ ounce of fluid 
extract digitalis, well rubbed in on each side of the loins over 
the kidneys, will have a beneficial effect by stimulating the 
kidneys without causing irritation. This application should 
not be used more than once. 

DIABETES INSIPIDUS SIMPLE DIABETES (pISSIXg). 

A disease characterized by great thirst, excessive urination, 
and great languor and emaciation. 

In the majority of cases it is caused by poor and tainted food. 
In some cases it seems to be due to a constitutional cause. 

Symj^toms. — Excessive urination, from 6 to 12 gallons every 
twenty-four hours; great thirst, the animal sometimes drink- 
ing from 20 to 25 gallons of Avater in twenty-four hours; de- 
praved aiDpetite; urine of a very pale color, sometimes as clear 
as water ; the" skin is harsh and the coat is unhealthy lookimr. 



7-i THE AEMY HORSE, 

Treatment. — Give good, clean, and nutritious food. Admin- 
ister iodine in 1-dram doses three times a day and diminish 
quantity as the thirst is lessened and the urine is diminished. 

KETENTION OF THE UPtlXE. 

An inability, total or partial, to expel by natural effort the 
urine contained in the bladder. It is caused by spasm of the 
neck of the bladder, and is often a complication of colic. 

Symptoms. — Frequent and ineffectwal attempts to urinate; 
if standing the animal will stretch himself out, strain violently, 
and groan with pain, discharging but a few drops of urine, or 
none at all; examination per rectum shows the bladder greatly 
distended, and this is the diagnostic or distinguishing sjanp- 
tom. 

Treatment. — Pass the catheter and draw off the urine. If 
retention of the urine is due to an accumulation of dirt in the 
penis, washing will remove the cause. A horse will normally 
pass from 4 to 6 quarts of urine every twenty-four hours. 

Diseases or the Ner\'ous System. 

CONGESTION OF THE BRAIN "BLIND STAGGERS." 

This disease is caused by an accumulation of blood in the 
vessels of the brain, due to some obstacle to its return to the 
veins. 

Causes. — Disease of the heart; excessive exertion; the influ- 
ence of extreme heat; sudden and great excitement; artificial 
stimulants ; 'Awj mechanical obstruction which prevents the re- 
turn of blood through the veins to the heart, such as a small 
ill-fitting collar; tumors or abscesses pressing on the vein in 
its course; extreme fat; compression of the vascular structures 
(arterial capillaries) by an abnormal tension of gas in the 
stomach and intestines; over-feeding after a prolonged absti- 
nence or when the exercise is insufficient; and foods difficult 
of digestion. Fat horses or those with short, thick necks are 
especially liable to attacks of this malady. 

Symptoms. — Congestion of the brain usually appears sud- 
denly and is of short duration. 

The animal may stop very suddenly and shake his head, or 
stand quietly braced on his legs, then stagger, make a plunge 
and fall; the eyes are staring, breathing hurried and snoring, 



THE AR^IY HORSE. 75 

nostrils widely dilated; this may be followed b}" coma (insensi- 
bility), violent convulsive movement, and death. 

Generall}', however, the animal gains relief in a short time, 
but he may remain weak and giddy for several days. If it is 
due to organic change in the heart or disease of the blood vessels 
in the brain the symjDtoms may be of slow development, mani- 
fested by drowsiness, diminished or impaired vision, difficulty 
in voluntary movements, diminished sensibility of the skin, loss 
of consciousness, delirium, and death. 

Treatment. — Prompt removal of all mechanical obstruction to 
the circulation. If it is due to venous obstruction by too tight 
a collar, the loosening of the collar will give immediate relief. 
If due to tumors or abscesses, a surgical operation becomes 
necessary. To relieve the animal, if he becomes partially or 
totally unconscious, cold water should be dashed on the head 
and if this does not afford relief, recourse must be had to 
bleeding to lessen arterial tension. If symptoms of paralysis 
remain after tw^o or three days, an active physic should be 
given, followed, after 21 hours, by iodide of potassium given 
in 2-dram doses three times daily. Place the animal in a cool, 
dark, well-ventilated stable, keep him perfectly quiet, and give 
cooling diet. 

SUNSTROKE AXD HEATSTROKE. 

These are cerebral troubles : Sunstroke is produced b}^ the 
rays of the sun falling directly upon the cranium. Heatstroke 
is caused by the overheating of the whole body or by excessi^^e 
exertion. 

Symptoms. — Sunstroke is manifested suddenly; the animal 
stops, drops his head, begins to stagger, the breathing is 
marked by great snoring, the pulse is very slow and irregular, 
cold sweats break out in patches on the surface of the body, and 
the animal often dies without recovering consciousness. 

In heatstroke the animal usually requires urging for^ some 
time previous to the appearance of any other symptom. Gen- 
erally prespiration is checked ; he becomes weak in his gait ; the 
breathing grows hurried or panting; the eyes watery and blood- 
shot ; nostrils dilated and highly reddened to a dark purple 
color; the pulse is rapid and weak; the heart bounding, fre- 
quently followed by unconsciousness and death. Temperature 
reaches 107° to 112° F. If recovery takes place convalesence 
extends over a long period of time, during which locomotion 
shows lack of full control. 



76 THE AEiMY IIOESE. 

Treatment. — The treatment consists '\rt the application of 
cold in the form of ice, or cold water on the head, cold injections 
per rectum, and the administration of stimulants, such as 2 
ounces aromatic spirits of ammonia or 4 ounces of alcohol in 
8 ounces of Avater; repeat in one hour if necessar}^ Place the 
animal in a cool and shady place, and bathe the whole body 
with cold water until the temperature is lowered. 

Diseases of the Lyjiphatic System. 

Acute inflanmiation of the lymph gland usually occurs in con- 
nection with some inflammatory process in the region from 
which the lymph is gathered. 

The lymph glands between the branches of the lower jaw 
almost iuYariably become affected in strangles, nasal catarrh 
(acute or chronic), diseased or ulcerated teeth. Infected 
wounds of any part of the body may cause inflammation of the 
neighboring lymphatics. 

SyinptotThS. — The glands swell and become painful to the 
touch, the connective tissue surrounding them becomes involved, 
suppuration (formation of pus) usually takes j^lace, and one or 
more abscesses form. If the inflammation is of a milder type, 
the swelling may disappear and the gland will assume its nor- 
mal condition without suppuration. The temperature will be 
elevated. Sometimes the glands will remain hard and consider- 
ably swollen for some length of time. In man these swollen 
glands are known as kernels. 

Treatment. — Fomentations with hot water will relieve the ' 
soreness, unless an abcess is forming. If such is known to be 
the case a poultiee of bran or flaxseed meal should be applied, 
and as soon as fluctuation can be felt a free opening must be 
made and the abcess washed with a solution of bichloride 
mercury 1-1000, or creolin 1-50. If the gland does not sup- 
purate, the enlargement may be reduced by tincture of iodine 
applied tAvice daily. 

LYMPHANGITIS. 

(Plate Xni.) 

Inflammation of the lymphatic structures, usually affecting 
the hind leg, very seldom the fore leg. This disease is very 
sudden in its attack, exceedingly painful, accompanied by a 
high temperature and great general disturbance. 

Causes. — It usually attacks well-fed animals, especialh^ after 
one or two days' rest, and in such cases may be due to an excess 



PLATE XIII. 




Lymphangitis. 



THE APw>rY IIOESE, 77 

of nutritious elements in the blood. It may also result from an 
infected wound. 

Si/mpto/)is. — The hrst symptom noticed will be lameness in 
one leg and swelling on the inside of the thigh. The swelling 
gradually surrounds the whole limb, continuing downward 
until it reaches the foot. Th;> limb is excessively tender to the 
touch and is held up. The breathing is increased, pulse hard 
and quick (80 to 100), and the temperature may reach 106°. 
The bowels early become constipated and the urine scanty and 
high colored. Occasionally the 13-mphatic glands in the groin 
undergo suppuration, blood poisoning may supervene and 
prove fatal. 

Ti'eatment. — Fomentations with warm water, to be continued 
for one hour and repeated several times daily. Give a physic 
composed of 6 to 8 drams of aloes, 1 dram ginger,, and water to 
make a ball. Give at once. After the physic has operated give 
^-ounce doses of nitrate of potash twice daih^ After the pain 
diminishes, moderate exercise and hand rubbing will be of 
benefit. If the glands suppurate, open, and wash them out with 
an antiseptic. The irrigations must be continued until the 
gland is well. 

If caused by a wound, similar treatment should be pursued, 
together with thorough disinfection of the wound. If, after 
one week, the swelling still remains, give potassium iodide, 2 
drams, twice daily until it is reduced. 



CHAPTER YII. 



MISCELLANEOUS DISEASES. 

PURPURA HEMORRHAGICA PURPURA PETECHIAL FEVER. 

(Plate XIV.) 

This is an acute, infectious disease, the cause, of Avliich is as 
yet little known. Sometimes it is primary ; in other instances 
it follows other infectious diseases, strangles, pharyngitis, con- 
tagious pneumonia, influenza, etc. 

Symptoms.- — Petechial fever is generally manifested by the 
appearance upon the mucous membranes of numerous dark-red 
petechice (reddish spots) ; sometimes they are insignificant as 
a flea bite, then again they may attain the size of a pea or an 
acorn; they often become joined and form spots or bands of 
variable length. In serious cases the nasal mucous membrane 
becomes affected by gangrene (death of the affected spot) or 
covered over with ulcerations. The discharge is bloody and of 
bad aspect, breathing is very laborious, and the expired air has 
a fetid odor. The general condition sometimes becomes very 
rapidlj^ aggravated; then, in the majority of cases, the disease 
ends in death. 

Corresponding with the appearance of the reddish spots, (u 
a few days later, swellings appear beneath the skin; thi; 
sjanpton, which is the most prominent, is often the first 
symptom noticed. The swellings will range in size from a ten- 
cent piece to a silver dollar ; the}^ are usually upon dependent 
regions, such as the head, extremities, abdomen, sheath, and 
chest. These swellings are not hot and only slightly sensitive: 
they gradually extend until the}' grow together and Ave hne 
in a fcAv hours the swelling up of the legs and belly, or ih.^ 
head, to an enormous size; they have always a characteristic 
constricted border, Avhich looks as if it had been tied Avith a 
cord. The sAvelling stands out abruptly at this border, often 
as much as an inch. 

The sAvelling in the legs will cause stiffness. The head may 
be SAvollen to such a size that it resembles the head of a hippo- 
potamus rather than that of a horse ; the caliber of the nostril 

(78) 



PLATE XIV. 




Purpura herQorrhag'ica. 



THE AEMY HORSE. 79 

may be so lessened as to cause the horse to breathe with diffi- 
culty. The pulse, if altered at all, is a little weaker than usual, 
the appetite remains normal as a rule, although at times the 
animal will have difficulty in mastication. The temperature 
at first is normal, but in a few days it may have reached 102°, 
103°, or 104°. 

Over the surface of the skin covering the swollen parts we 
find a slight serous sweating, which when it dries, gives the 
appearance of an eruption of some cutaneous (skin) disease. 
If this is excessiA'e we may see irritated spots, followed b}^ sup- 
puration. This suppuration may become excessive from the 
great distention and loss of vitality of the skin. 

During the course of this disease colics may sometimes occur : 
later the pulse may beat GO to 80 times per minute; the dung 
is ordinarily coated. 

High temperatures indicate complications. 

The mortality is about 50 per cent. 

Treatment. — Place the patient in a clean, well-ventilated, 
room}^ box stall, and tie the iiead up high; in case the head is 
already swollen, remove the halter at once and use a head sling. 
If necessar}' to blanket, never use the surcingle. Give soft 
food, clean hay, and green fodder if possible, and plenty of 
fresh pure water to drink. 

When the legs and parts of the boclj^are covered by the dried 
serum the surface must be softened by the application of 
cosmoline or olive oil to which may be added a small amount 
of creolin (1 to 50) or of carbolic acid (1 to 25). 

If sloughing has taken place, the sores must receive surgical 
attention ; dead tissue must be removed and antiseptics applied. 

If the animal has great difficulty in breathing, we must resort 
to the use of the tracheotomy tube. 

Try to sustain the strength of the animal and give tonics to 
increase the appetite : Tincture of chloride of iron 1 to 2 ounces 
in a pint of water, or iron sulphate 2 drams, quinine 1 dram; 
either dose three times daih\ 

Spirits of turpentine, 3 ounces, in C ounces of linseed oil, 
given twice daih', will have a beneficial effect by stimulating 
the heart and kidneys. Sponge the head, wdiere swollen, with 
either ice-cold or verj' warm water; repeat this several times 
daily. 



8U THE AKMY JIUKSE. 

AZOTIRIA. 

Azotiiria is the result of the continement of a strong, vigorous 
horse for several days in a badly ventilated, damp stable, where 
he receives full rations and no exercise, followed by sudden 
exposure to a lower temperature. It is not a disease of the 
kidneys, as is commonly supposed. 

Synij^tams. — These consist of troubles of locomotion (move- 
ment) "svhich appear during exercise and generally within a 
quarter to half an hour after starting. 

The disease begins very suddenly, in an unusual degree of 
restlessness with profuse perspiration; these symptoms are 
speedily succeeded by a desire to lie down, by great sluggish- 
ness, by loss of moAdng power in the hind limbs, and by violent 
spasms of the large muscles of the loins, thighs, and hind 
quarters. The affected muscles are swollen and very hard, and 
later may atrophy, especially those located above the stifle. If 
the animal is down, he makes an effort to stand, but, from the 
total loss of power in the hind limbs, is unable to rise. 

The fore limbs and shoulder nuiscles may be similarly 
affected, but in this case the disease is less severe. 

The pulse usually becomes rapid; the temperature rarely 
increases, even in the grave form; the appetite is seldom 
diminished, and, as a rule, the animal will drink large quanti- 
ties of water. 

The urine is coffee-colored and is generally retained in the 
bladder. 

Treatment. — As soon as the first symptoms are noticed, Ixalt 
at once. Keep the animal on his feet; unsaddle or unharness 
and blanket promptly; then move him as gently as possible 
to the nearest shelter, where he must have complete rest. If 
possible, heat some common salt or some oats ; place in a sack 
and spread over the loins (under the blanket), to relieve the 
pain. Feed only good hay or laxative food and avoid oats and 
corn. Encourage the horse to drink as much water as possible, 
as this will assist the kidneys in carrying the poisonous material 
'out of the blood. When the urine clears, the animal may be 
gradually returned to work. 

If it has been possible to reach the stables, place the horse 
in a roomy stall ; if there is then danger of his lying down, use 
the suspending slings, provided he is able to partially support 
his weight on his hind legs ; then give 2 ounces of sweet spirits 



PLATE XV. 




Farcy. 



THE ARMY HORSE. 81 

of niter and 2 to 4 drams of fluid extract of cannabis indica in 
a pint of water. In a half hour administer a physic ball. 

If the animal has dropped on the road and is unable to rise 
he must be taken to the stable by the use of a stone-boat or 
other extemporized means; plenty of bedding must then be 
supplied and the patient frequently turned from side to side; 
apply ^ ounce of fluid extract of digitalis to the loins and rub 
in well, to stimulate the action of the kidneys. If the patent 
has retention of urine, the bladder must be emptied several 
times daily ; this can be accomplished b}^ passing the hand into 
the rectum and applying moderate pressure upon the bladder, 
or, by the introduction of the catheter. 

This disease occurs in the army only through carelessness. 
When the horse is left resting for twenty-four to forty-eight 
hours or longer the food ration should be diminished and the 
animal must be given a little exercise in the open air every 
day to keep him accustomed to the outside temperature. 

GLANDERS AND FARCY. 

Glanders is a contagious constitutional disease of the horse 
and mule, and maj^ be communicated to man. The disease is 
due to a germ, called " bacillus mallei," and affects the Schnei- 
derian membrane and internal organs. 

When the disease is located in the lymphatic glands situated 
on the external parts of the body, it is called farcy. (Plate 
XV.) 

Glanders and farcy are one and the same disease. 

It may be acute or chronic. In acute glanders the bacilli 
enter the blood and the disease spreads throughout the system. 

Ch ron ic glanders. 

The beginning of chronic glanders is often hidden from view 
and passes unobserved. 

The first visible symptom is generally a discharge from one 
or both nostrils of a yellowish green matter of bad aspect ; quite 
frequently it is tinged with blood. 

Then, pimples and ulcers are observed upon the Schneiderian 
membrane. The pimples are of short duration ; they are soon 
transformed into ulcers more or less deep, with sawtooth- 
shaped, thickened edges; these may heal, but will always leave 
a scar. 



82 THE ARMY HORSE. 

The enlargement of the lympathic glands situated in the 
space between the loAver jaw is another important symptom. 
In the beginning the gland is a little sensitive, slightly doughy, 
and adheres to the base of the tongue or to the lower maxillae ; 
in some subjects it adheres to the skin. In exceptional cases 
the enlargement of the gland is absent. 

The general health of the animal suffers as the affection pro- 
gresses; emaciation appears; the hair becomes dull and bristly. 

There is frequently difficulty in breathing, and the patient 
becomes rapidly fatigued. 

Farcy. 

(Plate XV.) 

Farcy is more rare in the chronic than in the acute form of 
the disease; its favorite regions are the inner side of the 
extremities, shoulders, neck, chest, and abdomen. 

The pimples and tumors vary from the size of a pea to that 
of a walnut, or larger ; they suppurate and discharge a yellow, 
sticky liquid of bad aspect. They rarely heal; and if they do 
a jagged scar remains. 

Acute glanders. 

Symptoms. — Acute glanders is rare -in the horse (10 per 
cent), except in transit and in tropical climates. It is, on the 
contrary, the ordinary form in the mule. Sometimes it is 
primary ; in other instances it follows the chronic form, where 
the vitality of the animal has been lessened by other acute 
affections. 

The disease produces an ulcerous destruction of the respira- 
tory mucous membrane, and also involves the skin, lungs, and 
other organs. 

It begins with a chill, followed by intense fever, which 
reaches 107° F. A sticky, yellowish, irritating, bloodv'^ nasal 
discharge appears. The nasal mucous membrane is overrun 
with pimjDles and ulcers, which rapidly join one another.; they 
may perforate the septum nasi. The respiration is rattling, 
wheezing, and moaning due to contraction of the larynx; to 
these symptoms are often added those of farcy. We may find 
diarrhea. The j)atient is extremely weak and emaciation pro- 
gresses rapidly. 

In general, acute glanders runs a rapid course; its usual 
termination is death. This ordinarily takes place within from 
three to fourteen days. 



PLATE XVI. 




Tetanus. 



THE AEMY IIOESE. 83 

In the horse there is no disease of which an exact diagnosis 
is so important as that of ghmders. 

In order to correctly diagnose obscure cases (tliose witli no 
outward symptoms) we must resort to the use of mallein. 
This is a liquid, the injection of which will cause a reaction 
(rise in temperature) in glandered horses apparently enjoying 
the best of health. 

Treatment. — This disease is not only contagious to horse.,, 
mules, and men, but is incurable in all alike ; therefore, the first 
step, when a suspicious case presents itself, is to isolate the 
animal, and as soon as it is proyed that glanders exists, the 
animal should be killed at once and the carcass burned. Eyery- 
thing in the way of partitions, mangers, feed boxes, buckets, 
and all stable utensils must be burned, and the stalls and sur- 
roundings thoroughly disinfected. Chloride of lime 8 omices. 
in 1 gallon of water, makes a good and efficient disinfectant. 
With this solution all parts of the stable in which the affected 
animal stood must be thoroughly washed. 

TETAXrS LOCK JA Ay. 

(Plate XVI.) 

Tetanus is an infectious disease, the specific cause of which is 
a bacillus or germ which, in most localities, is found in abund- 
ance in the superficial laj^er of the earth in gardens, around 
buildings, stables, etc. 

The disease, when present, always follows a wound, more 
especially one produced by a nail puncture. 

The germ will not deyelop in the presence of oxA'gen ; conse- 
quently, all punctured wounds of the foot should be freely 
opened to admit of the introduction of air, as well as to allow of 
thorough cleansing with an antiseptic. This preyentiye treat- 
ment is generalW successful. 

In warm countries, especially in tropical climates, cases of 
tetanus are much more frequent than in cold regions. 

^]/?nptoms. — Tetanic spasms (spasmodic or continuous con- 
tractions of the muscles) appear, as a rule, in the muscles of the 
neck and head ; thence they extend to the shoulders, trunk, and 
extremities; or the stiffness may start in the region of the in- 
jured organ or member. 

Contraction of the cheek muscles; the inferior maxillary is 
then no longer able to execute the slightest moyement, and the 
]>rehension and mastication of food becomes difficult or quite 



84 THE AH3IY IIOKSE. 

impossible. This inability to open the jaws has given to the 
disease the name of lockjaw. 

Contraction of the great posterior muscles of the eye causes 
a retraction of this organ within the orbit, and a protrusion of 
the haw upon the eyeball. 

The animal is very stiff, holds his head in an extended posi- 
tion as if suffering from a sore throat; the tail is elevated and 
the ears drawn closer together; the nostrils are much dilated: 
the legs stand apart ; the eyes indicate excitement and anxiety, 
the mucous membranes are reddened ; some muscular groups, 
principally the muscles of the cheeks and of the back of the 
neck, are hard and distinctly outlined, as if carved; the mus- 
cles of the jaw^s, neck and shoulders, back, lumbar region, croup 
and tail are as hard as w^ood. 

The tail and ears are elastic; when they are moved they 
immediately return to their former position. 

There is ijrofuse sweating when the animal is disturbed or 
Avhen he is in a spasm ; respiration is accelerated and laborious. 
Wlien the patient is. approached for an examination, his excite- 
ment increases instantly; the lower jaw is pressed hard against 
the upper, and can not be separated from it, even by the most 
violent efforts ^of the examiner; on parting the lips a fetid 
liquid runs out of the mouth, which is more or less filled with 
particles of food; if the head is lifted the whole haw obscures 
the greater part of the eyeball. 

Backing is extremely difficult or even impossible; turning is 
also very laborious; the trunk, neck, and shoulders can not be 
flexed, the extremities are as stiff as stilts. 

The course of tetanus is variable, according to the individual. 
It commonly develops rapidly, and death takes place in two or 
three days. In some cases death occurs more slowly within 
four to eight days on an average. In others, again, where the 
spasm is moderate and of little extent, the disease may continue 
for several weeks. 

Recovery before the third week is rare; about this time the 
spasm begins to decline, the appetite returns, respiration be- 
comes calmer, and the movements more free ; very often recov- 
ery takes place only at the end of five or six weeks ; there may 
be a continuance of the stiffness of movement and tension of the 
muscles of the back, for a long period of time. 

Treatment. — A systematic course of food and the freedom of 
the patient from all kinds of excitement are the two essentials 



THE AllJMY HORSE. 85 

in the treatment. It is advisable to place the patient in a dark 
stall, so situated as to be isolated and free from all noises, and 
only one man should be in attendance, as strangers entering the 
stall of a patient affected Avith only a mild attack may cause 
excitement and the animal be thrown into a violent spasm and 
die -in a short time. 

Give the patient gruel, mealy drinks, liquid food, and, if he 
can eat it, green fodder. 

]\Iedicinal agents are of secondary importance in the treat- 
ment of lockjaw. Large doses (2 to 8 ounces) of bromide of 
13otassium should be given in the liquid food, twice daily. The 
administration of medicines by the mouth is not practicable; 
not only because of the locked jaws, but because it causes excite- 
ment. 

The infected wound requires special care. It should be well 
opened up, disinfected, foreign bodies extracted, etc. 

Some authorities recommend the use of the suspending sling. 

In the horse the mortality from this disease is from 80 to 85 
per cent. 

In localities where tetanus is common, a preventive serum, 
called ^^antitetanic,'^ is injected into the blood, whenever the 
horse receives a punctured or suspicious wound. 

DISEASES OF THE TEETH. 

On account of the character of its food the horse has been 
supplied with molar teeth, with roughened grinding surfaces. 
The lower jaw is narrower than the upper jaw, and the table 
(grinding) surfaces are sloping. The distance from the gum 
to the grinding surface is greater on the outside surface of the 
upper molars and the reverse in the lower molars. 

On account of this conformation a sharp ridge of points is 
liable to develop on the outside of the upper molars and may 
occur on the inside of the lower ones. These points are some- 
times so sharp that they lacerate the cheeks and tongue during 
mastication. A horse thus affected will frequently bolt his 
food before thoroughly masticating it, thereby causing chronic 
indigestion. He will also flinch when reined, causino- oreat 
annoyance to his rider or driver. 

Such irregularities can be easily detected by an examination 
of the animal's mouth with the hand; when found, the sharp 
edges must be removed by the use of a float. 



86 THE ARMY HORSE. 

Decayed teeth. 

All teeth are apt to decay, such decay being generally due to 
an injnry. 

A decayed tooth will be found in one of the following condi- 
tions : Split, broken, or shorter than the surrounding ones, and 
having a fetid odor. The opposing tooth in the opposite jflw is 
often found to be elongated. 

Sympto))ifi of irpegularities in teeth. — Quidding of the food, 
holding the head to one side while masticating food or drinking 
Avater, slobbering, chronic catarrh, fetid breath, swelling of .the 
maxilla in the neighborhood of the teeth, general unthrifty 
appearance, etc. 

Treatment. — A diseased tooth must be extracted, and an 
elongated one must be shortened to correspond with its fellows. 

SPASM OF THE DIAPHRAGM THUMPS. 

Caused by severe exertion. 

Symptoms. — In the region of the lower part of the left flank, 
near the border of the false ribs, will l)e observed shocks which, 
at times, shake the whole bodv; they are usually accompanied 
by a short, jerking expiration, and by a dull, thumping sound 
which is heard at a distance of several paces. The trouble may 
be followed by inflaunnation of the lungs or by founder. 

Treatment. — Quiet and fresh air must be insisted upon. 

Give the following: Aromatic spirits ammonia '1 ounces, 
Avater 1 pint. Or, SAveet spirits of niter '2 ounces, fld. ext. bella- 
donna 2 drams, water to make 1 pint. Either mixture may be 
repeated in one hour if necessary. 

If inflannnation of the lungs or founder follows, treat 
accordinglv. 



PLATE XVII. 




Grease. 



CHAPTER IX. 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN AND EYE. 

ERYTHEMA. 

Eiythenia is a. slightly inflamed condition of the skin, unat- 
tended by any eruption. The parts are slightly swollen, hot, 
tender, or itchy, and dry, and if the skin is Avhite there is 
redness. 

Erythema may arise from a variety of causes, as chilling or 
partial freezing, heat and burning, chapping, urine, and medi- 
cine. 

Treatment. — Apply the following several times daily: Sul- 
phate of zinc 1 ounce, acetate of lead 1 ounce, water 1 quart. 
Or, use the following ointment twice daily: Oxide of zinc 1 
ounce, cosmoline 6 ounces. 

GREASE. 

(Plate XVII.) 

Grease is a chronic inflammation of the skin of the back part 
of the f(?tlock and pastern. 

The skin is at first red, swollen, painful, and hot. It is soon 
covered by vesicles (blisters) which burst and discharge a thin, 
yellowish liquid, which is at first without odor. The hairs are 
matted together erect, or fall out in large quantities. 

Grease produces, in the course of time, serious alterations in 
the pastern or fetlock. The excreted liquid becomes decom- 
posed and softens the epidermis. A kind of sticky, doughy 
exudate is formed, which is of bad aspect, of fetid odor, and 
very irritating. 

The back part of the pastern and fetlock becomes the seat of 
granulating wounds, the granulations ranging in size from that 
of a pea to a large graj^e (the so-called grapy stage). 

Treatment. — In the first stage cleanliness and the application 
of the ordinary drying powder or antiseptic ointments are 
sufficient. In cases where proud flesh exists, the granulations 
must be removed with the knife and burned with red-hot iron 

(87) 



88 THE ARMY IIOESE. 

or lunar caustic and then treated as a fresh wound. Applica- 
tions of iodine and glycerin in equal parts, or of the three 
sulphates, may be beneficial. 

SCRATCHES. 

Scratches is allied to grease, but not so severe, but if neglected 
may terminate in that disease. It is usually of a dry nature, 
with shallow cracks in the skin, and often discharging a thin 
liquid, which does not irritate the skin. The disease is located 
in the back part of the pastern joint. 

Treatment. — Cleanse thoroughl}' with castile soap and water, 
dry, and apply: Sulphate of zinc 1 ounce, acetate of lead 1 
ounce, water 1 quart. Or, oxide of zinc 1 part, lanolin 10 parts. 
Or, tincture of iodine may be resorted to. Good results are 
obtained hj a dressing of equal parts of zinc oxide and 
acetanilid, kept in place by a piece of gauze or cotton and a 
bandage. 

SCABIES MANGE. 

This is a contagious skin disease produced by parasites and 
can be transmitted to man. 

There are three parasites that cause mange; two varieties 
burrow^ into the deeper layers of the skin, the first being found 
about the head and neck (though it may spread over the sur- 
face of the body), the second at the roots of the mane and 
tail; the third species does not burrow into the skin and is 
found on the extremities. 

Symptoms. — This disease is characterised by great itching 
associated with the formation of pustules (pimples). As the 
disease develops, large surfaces become destitute or hair and 
are covered by powder}^ crusts of variable thickness. At a 
later period the skin becomes thickened, wrinkled, and fissured, 
assuming the appearance of the skin of the rhinoceros. 

Treatment. — The first essential is the separation and isola- 
tion of the unhealthy from the well animals. Wash the all'ected 
parts thoroughly with warm water, soap, and a scrubbing 
brush, and appl}^ the following: Acetanilid 10 parts, creolin 5 
parts, cosmoline 20 parts. Melt the cosmoline and mix with 
the other ingredients while cooling. This ointment should be 
applied twice a day and the parts thoroughly washed every 
other day. Continue the treatment until the skin becomes 
healthy. 



THE AEMY HORSE. 89 

SIMPLE INJURIES TO THE EYELIDS. 

Inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the eyelids may 
be caused by bruises or the presence of a foreign body, such as 
sand, chaff, etc. If the eyelids should become torn, they must be 
sutured ; the utmost care is necessary as the needle may puncture 
the eyeball and blindness will follow. 

Treatment. — Keep the parts clean with a saturated solution 
of boracic acid, and dust with iodoform. 

SIMPLE OPHTHALMIA CONJUNCTIVITIS. 

Inflammation of the outer parts of the eyeball, and of the 
exposed vascular, sensitive mucous membrane (coiijunctiva) 
which covers the ball, the eyelids, and the haw. 

The causes of external ophthalmia are mainly those which 
act locally — blows with whips, clubs, and twigs; the presence 
of foreign bodies, such as chaff, dust, sand, ammonia arising 
from the excrement, etc. 

Symjitorns. — Watering of the eye, swollen lids, redness of the 
mucous membrane exposed by the separation of the lids, and a 
bluish opacity of the cornea, which normally is clear and trans- 
parent. The eyelids may be kept closed, the eyeball retracted, 
and the haw protruded over one-third or one-half of the ball. 
If the aft'ection has resulted from a wound of the cornea, a 
white speck or fleecy cloud is formed, and often blood vessels 
begin to extend from the adjacent vascular covering of the eye 
to the white spot, and that portion of the cornea is rendered 
permanently opaque. 

Treatment. — Place the horse in a dark stall and bathe the 
outside of the eye with tepid water ; a few drops of the follow- 
ing lotion should be dropped inside the eyelids : Zinc sulphate 
20 grains, boracic acid 1 dram, fluid extract of belladonna 1 
dram, water 4 ounces. Cover the eye with a clean, dark cloth on 
the inside of which a piece of absorbent cotton has been sewed ; 
keep the cotton saturated with the same lotion. This treatment 
should be applied and continued twice daily until the p^-rts 
assume their normal condition. In case of wound or ulcer on 
the cornea, make use of a quill, through which blow iodoform 
into the eye daily. 

RECURRENT OPHTHALMIA :vrOON BLINDNESS. 

This aft'ection, sometimes called periodic ophthalmia, is an 
inflammation of the interior of the eye; it is intimately related 



9U THE AK^IY HORSE. 

to certain soils and climates, and to certain animal systems, in 
which it shows a strong tendency to recur again and again, 
usually ending in blindness from cataract or other serious 
injury. 

Symptoms vary according to the severity of the attack. In 
some cases there is marked fever. The local symptoms are in 
the main those of simple ophthalmia; opacity advances from 
the margin over a part or the whole of the cornea. An attack 
lasts from ten to fifteen days. The attacks may follow each 
other at intervals of a month, more or less, but they show no 
particular relation to any jDarticular phase of the moon. From 
five to seven attacks usually result in blindness, and then the 
other eye is liable to be attacked until it also is ruined. 

Treatment. — Is largely the same as that for simple ophthal- 
mia. During recover}^ a course of tonics is often very beneficial 
and acts in assisting to ward off another attack. Such a tonic 
is the following : Sulphate iron 1 ounce, gentian 1^ ounces, nux 
vomica 1| ounces. Make into twelve powders and give one 
powder, in feed, twice a day. 

If opacity of the cornea remains, benefit may be obtained 
from the use of silver nitrate, 4 grains to 1 ounce of water, a 
few drops dropped into the eye twice daily. A saturated 
solution of iodide of potassium may be used in the same 
manner. 

CATARACT. 

Cataract is usually the result of repeated attacks of recurrent 
ophthalmia. It is an opacity, not of the cornea, but of the 
crij.staUine lens. No treatment will restore it to its normal con- 
dition. 



CHAPTER IX. 



DISEASES OF THE FEET. 

Removing pressure means triimiiing the bearing surfaces of 
the foot in such a way that the shoe can not cause pressure 
upon diseased structures. 

CORNS. 

A corn is the result of bruising the sensitive sole or sensitive 
lamina? of the quarters or bars and apj)ears as a reddish spot 
in the angle formed by the wall and bar, usually on the inside 
of the front feet, seldom if ever in the hind feet. 

Causes. — A rapid gait on hard roads; lowering one quarter 
more than the other; shoes so fitted that the}^ press on the sole 
at the heel, and shoes left on so long that the wall overgrows 
the heels of the shoe and causes the shoe to press on the sole ; 
long feet, which remove the frog too far from the ground, thus 
preventing the proper expansion of the foot. 

Treatment. — First, remove the cause by taking off the shoe; 
shorten the toe, lower the quarter that is too high, or correct 
any faults that may have existed in the preparation of the foot. 

If the corn is a suppurating one, the shoe must be left off, 
the loose horn removed, and the foot placed in a hot flaxseed 
poultice for several daj^s. The poultice is changed when it 
becomes cold, and the parts are washed out with a solution 
of creolin, 1 to 25. "When all suppuration has stopped, plug 
the corn with oakum or tar and shoe with a bar shoe, removing 
all pressure from the affected quarter. The special function 
of the bar shoe is to produce frog pressure. The three-quarter 
shoe may also be used. This shoe Avill prevent pressure on the 
diseased spot, but it has a tendency to give a rocking motion 
to the foot in action. 

THRUSH. 

Thrush is a diseased condition of the frog, characterized by 
a dark-colored discharge of offensive odor. 

Causes. — Uncleanness; horses standing in stalls saturated 
with urine, or in wet earth filled Avith decomposing vegetable 
matter. 

(HI) 



92 THE AllMY IIOKSE. 

Syrnqytoms. — At first there is simj^l}^ an increased moisture 
in the cleft of the frog, accompanied by an offensive smell. 
After a time the discharge is more profuse, then water}^ and 
highly offensive, changing gradually to a thick putrid matter 
which rapidh^ destroys the horn of the frog. 

Treatment. — Eemove the cause; keep stalls clean and dry. 
Pare away all loose portions of the horn, so as to expose the 
diseased parts; clean thoroughly b}'' washing Avith warm 
water; dry with oakum and pack with poAvdered alum, calo- 
mel, or copper sulphate; if the dressing will not remain in 
place use a leather boot. 

CAXKER. 

Canker is a disease of the frog and sole, marked by an offen- 
siA'e-smelling cheesy discharge, by a softening and breaking- 
down of the hornj^ sole, and a spongy enlargement of the horny 
frog. When this disease follows an injury Avhich has exposed 
the soft structures of the foot, it soon causes a separation of 
the soft and horuA^ portions, presenting a very unhealthy 
appearance and discharging a thin, Avatery fluid. 

C auses.—C'Ai^kQY is generally believed to be caused by a vege- 
table parasite, the development of Avhich is assisted by filthy 
stables or Ioav, Avet ground. 

Treatment. — That part of the frog or sole that has been 
underrun must be remoA^ed Avith the knife and the canker 
exposed ; the unhealthy groAvth is then touched Avith a red-hot 
iron, burning it off IcA^el with the surrounding healthy struc- 
tures, care being exercised not to injure the sensitiA'e portions 
of the foot. Next, Avash clean, then dry and apply the folloAv- 
ing poAvder: Equal parts of sulphate of zinc, sulphate of iron, 
and sulphate of copper. Place OA'er this a pad of oakum, and 
over all a leather l)Oot. This dressing must be changed once a 
day (tAvice a day in bad cases) ; treatment is continued until 
a healthy groAvth of horn coA^ers the Avhole foot. The horse 
can noAv be shod. Pack the foot Avith oakum and tar and coA'cr 
Avith a leather sole, Avhich is held in place bv the shoe. 

If it is desirable to change dressings on the shod foot, a more 
convenient appliance to keep them in place is made in the fol- 
loAving manner : Cut a piece of sheet zinc to cover about two- 
thirds of the sole and frog, the outer edge of the piece fitting 
under the shoe; cut another piece to coA'er the remaining third 
and Avide enough to lap over the first piece, the lap to run 



THE AiniY HORSE. 93 

parallel to the cleft of the frog; then cut a strip about 1 inch 
wide to act as a keeper; the ends of this strip are pressed under 
the shoe, the strip passing across the foot from quarter to 
quarter. 

QUITTOR. 

A quittor is a running sore, situated on the coronet of the 
foot, with one or more tubes (sinuses) leading in a downiward 
direction and discharging pus. 

Causes.— T*ricks in shoeing; punctures of the sole and frog; 
bruises or suppurating corns. 

Symptoms. — A swelling on the coronet, presenting a pecu- 
liarly unhealthy appearance, and in the center of Avhich are one 
or more sinuses communicating Avith the diseased structures 
inside of the foot. In nearly all cases the horse is ver}^ lame. 

Treatment. — Find out, if possible, what has caused the quit- 
tor. If it is the result of a nail prick or a festered corn, open 
it up on the underside of the foot, allow the pus to run out, and 
then treat as described later. If no nail prick or corn can be 
found, treat the quittor from above, by injecting into the sin- 
uses one of the following solutions: Carbolic acid, 1 to 20; 
creolin, 1 to 25 ; bichloride of mercury, 1 to 500. This treat- 
ment should be continued for several days, at the end of whi"h 
period, if the parts do not appear in a healthier condition, in- 
ject into the tubes 1 dram of liichloride of mercury well shaken 
up in 1 ounce of water. This will cause a separation of the 
diseased walls of the tube from the healthy parts of the foot. 
Poultices of flaxseed meal assist this separation. Keep the 
parts clean and wash out with carbolic acid or creolin as at 
first. If the sore does not heal under this treatment a surgical 
operation will be necessary. 

QUARTER CRACKS AND TOE CRACKS. 

A toe or (quarter crack (often called a sand crack) is a split 
in the horn of the wall ; the position of the crack determines 
the name applied to it. Horses with thin. Aveak quarters are 
predisposed to cpiarter crack. 

Causes. — Excessive dryness of the hoof; alternate changing 
from damp to dry: heavy shoes; large nails, and nails set too 
far back toward the heels. 

Symptoms. — The crack generally starts at the coronary 
band and graduallv extends downward to the lower border of 



9-1 THE AK3IY HOUSE. 

the wall. The most common form of quarter crack is a deep 
fissure extending through the Avail and causing a pinching of 
the sensitive structures. "\"Mien, however, the crack is not deep 
there is seldom an}^ lameness. 

Treatment. — The first step is to remove the shoe and soften 
the horn by poultices or by standing in "warm or cold Avater for 
a few days, then cut aAvay the hard overlapping edges of the 
fissure and thin the wall on each side so that there will be no 
friction between the edges of the crack. As the wall grows 
doAvn from the coronet the upper end of the crack must be 
carefully observed to see that the new horn groAvs doAvn strong 
and smooth. In time the crack will disappear at the lower 
edge of the wall. If the sensitive laminae haA^e been exposed by 
this operation, the parts should be washed Avith a solution of 
creolin, 1 to 50, and the wound should be dusted Avith acet- 
anilid and covered with a pad of oakum held in place by a boot 
or bandage. In a few days a thin layer of horn will be throAvn 
out, coA^ering the sensitiA^e lamina3. The horse can then gen- 
erally be put to work. 

After a quarter crack has been trimmed out, the horse should 
be shod with a bar shoe, the wall underneath the quarter crack 
being cut away so that it Avill not come in contact Avith the shoe. 

In a case of toe crack the operation is the same. In shoeing, 
the Avail is cut aAvay at the toe to prevent pressure. 

PUNCTURE or THE SOLE AND FROG PRICKS IN SHOEING. 

A puncture of the sole or frog is usually caused by a horse 
stepping on a nail, a piece of broken glass, or other sharp 
object. If the Avound enters the soft structures of the foot, it 
results in lameness and the formation of pus. 

Pricks in shoeing are of two kinds: First, Avhen the nail is 
driven into the soft structures, and second, when it is driA'en 
too close, causing a bulging of the inner layer of horn, which is 
forced in upon the sensitiA'e laminae. In the first case the horse 
goes lame immediately, in the second case lameness ma}^ not 
appear for scA-eral days or Aveeks. 

To detect a punctured Avound of the foot remoA^e the shoe, 
examining each nail as it is withdraAvn for traces of moisture. 
Then test Avith the pinchers. '\"\Tien the sore spot is pressed, the 
horse Avill flinch. 

Treatment. — Open the wound and let out any pus that may 
haA^e formed: Avash out Avith a solution of creolin. 1 to 25, or 



THE ARMY HORSE. 95 

of carbolic acid, 1 to 20. Unless the pus has a good outlet, it 
•will burrow into the surrounding tissues and quittor or canker 
may follow. Moreover, there is always danger of tetanus in 
all cases of punctured wounds, especially in the feet. The 
germ of this disease is present in nearly all soils and is very 
liable to be carried into the wound upon the nail or other object. 
After the wound has been opened up and washed out, the foot 
should be placed in a hot flaxseed poultice, a fresh one being ap- 
plied three or four times a day, and the parts washed out after 
each poultice, as in the first instance. The treatment should be 
continued until inflammation is reduced and the formation of 
pus has ceased. The hole can then be plugged with oakum and 
tar, the shoe reset, and the horse put to work. 

LA3IIXITIS OR FOrXDER. 

Laminitis is an inflammation of the sensitive laminae and may 
involve the adjoining structures of the foot. There are three 
forms of the disease — acute, subacute, and chronic. 

The exudation of blood is greatest at the toe, the foot being 
more vascular at that point. The pain of laminitis is very 
persistent and agonizing, because the swollen and sensitive 
portions of the foot are surrounded by the hard and unyielding 
hoof and the engorged blood vessels are not permitted free 
exudation and swelling, the normal means by which congested 
blood vessels are relieved. 

Causes. — The most common are concussion, overexertion, ex- 
haustion, rapid changes of temperature, and the eating of vari- 
ous improper foods, such as musty grain, hay, etc. 

Si/mptoms. — In laminitis of both front feet the animal is 
excessively lame, moA'es with great difficulty, especially when 
starting, and appears as if the entire body were in a state of 
cramp: he stands with the hind legs drawn under the belly 
and the fore feet advanced* in order to relieve them of as much 
weight as possible. Occasionally he may be seen to sway back- 
ward, elevating the toes and throwing the weight for a moment 
upon the heels of the front feet, and then resuming the original 
position. If compelled to move, he raises the feet laboriously, 
not because the muscles of locomotion are inflamed, as is some- 
times supposed, but because, if all four feet are not on the 
ground at the same time to bear the weight of the body, his 
suffering is increased. He will often groan with pain and 
sweat will break out over the body. To diagnose a case quickly. 



96 THE ARMY lIORJiE. 

the best method is to push the horse backward, when, if affected 
he will elevate the toes and throw his weight upon the heels. 

When the hind feet onl}' are affected the patient stands with 
all four feet together; the front feet are held under the body 
to suppprt as much weight as possible and the hind feet are 
brought forward to throw weight upon the heels. "N^lien all 
four feet are affected the symptoms will be a combination of 
the foregoing, Avitli heat in all the feet, some degree of throb- 
bing of the digital arteries, and flinching when the hoof is 
tapped with a hammer. 

The pulse in laminitis is full, strong, and rapid and will 
maintain these characteristics even after general debility has 
become manifest. In some instances the animal will lie down 
upon his side, vrith the legs stretched out, for hours at a time, 
evidently feeling great relief in this position ; in other cases, 
particularly during the early period of the disease, he will 
stand persistently. 

Treatment. — Remove the shoes from the affected feet; stand 
the horse in hot water for several hours each day, or, Avliat is 
equally good and perhaps safer, apply hot flaxseed poultices, 
changing them ever}" hour as the}^ become cold. After two or 
three days of this treatment change to cold water, which can 
be applied either in the form of a footbath or by standing the 
animal in a running stream for five or six hours at a time. 
As soon as the pain has diminished, moderate exercise is bene- 
ficial; this may be gradually increased until the animal shows 
no further sign of trouble. If, after five or six days, pro- 
nounced symptoms of recovery are not apparent, apply a stiff 
blister of cantliarides around the coronet, repeating the blister 
if necessary. In addition to the local treatment, nitrate of 
potash (saltpeter), in doses of 2 to 4 ounces, may be given 
three times a day. If the horse is constipated, give 1 quart of 
raw linseed oil. 

SEEDY TOE. 

Seedy toe is a meal}' condition of the inner wall of the hoof, 
the Avhite line, and sometimes the sole. It is most frequently 
seen in the front feet. 

Causes. — Undue pressure, clips on shoes, or the result of 
laminitis. 

Treatment. — Pare the wall of the cavity until healthy horn 
is reached and pack with tar and oakum. Stimulate healthy 
growth of horn by the application of a cantliarides blister at 
the coronet. 



THE ARMY HORSE. 97 

CONTRACTED FEET. 

Contracted feet is an unnatural shrinking or narrowing of 
the feet at the heels. Most often seen in the front feet. 

Causes. — Lack of exercise ; lack of moisture ; thrush ; shoes 
with bearing web inclining inward at the heels. The practice 
of using the knife to " open the heels " usually produces this 
trouble. 

Treatment. — Ascertain the cause and remove it if possible. 
The remedy is to secure normal pressure on the frog, bars, and 
heels. If the feet are extremely dry and hard they may be 
softened by standing the animal in moist clay or in water. If 
the character of the ground will permit let the horse go bare- 
foot; if not. shoe wdth the tip, preferably; otherwise, with the 
bar shoe. 

DRY FEET. 

Soften the hoofs by thorough soaking in water and then 
apply cosmoline or linseed oil to prevent the water from evap- 
orating. This should be done daily for a week or two. A 
thick paste of ground flaxseed and Avater, packed into the cavity 
of the foot between the branches of the shoe, or a packing of 
moist clay, will keep the foot soft. 

COFFIN-JOINT LAMENESS. 

Sprain of the coffin joint results from slipping, stepping 
upon a rolling stone, stepping into a hole, etc. 

Symptoms. — Shortened gait : pointing of diseased foot ; 
heat over the region of the coffin joint ; tenderness on pressure. 

Treatment. — Remove the shoe and give the animal complete 
rest ; poultice the foot with flaxseed meal or stand the foot in a 
tub of cold water; if relief is not obtained in a week, apply a 
blister of biniodide of mercury, 1 to 5, around the coronet and 
heels, rubbing it in well over the region of the heels. 

Sprain of the coffin joint, unless carefully nursed, may ter- 
minate in chronic narteular disease, in which the coffin-joint 
structures and the coffin bone itself become ulcerated. This 
disease is incurable. 

If, after navicular disease has developed, it be necessary to 
keep the horse in the service, the heel of the diseased foot should 
be elevated by the use of a shoe with calks or with thick heels. 
The foot should be kept soft with footbaths and poultices and a 
blister applied when lameness is especially marked. "Wlienever 
possible keep the shoe off during treatment". 



CHAPTER XI. 



DISEASES OF BONE AND DETECTION OF LAMENESS. 

SIDEBOXES. 
(Plate XVIII, Fig. 1.) 

Sidebone is an o&sification (turning into bone) of the lateral 
cartilage. Horses with flat feet and weak quarters are predis- 
posed to this disease. 

Symptoms. — A hard, unyielding condition of the lateral 
cartilage, with or without lameness, 

Treatm,ent. — If the horse is lame the first step is to remove 
the shoe and level the foot ; then let the horse stand in a tub of 
cold water for several hours a day, or apph^, around the coronet, 
swabs kept wet with cold water. As soon as the fever has dis- 
appeared clip off the hair over the sidebdnes and blister with 
this ointment : Biniodide of mercury 1 part, cosmoline 5 parts ; 
mix thoroughly and rub in for ten minutes. Tie up the horse's 
head so that he can not reach the blistered part with his lips 
and keep him in this position for twenty-four to forty-eight 
hours. Then wash off the blister, using warm water and castile 
soap. The washing must be repeated every day until all the 
scabs formed by the blister have been removed. During this 
time keep the horse standing quietly in a clean and leA'el stall. 
If after ten days he has not improved, firing, followed by a long 
period of rest, may prove beneficial. 

. KINGBOXE. 

(rlate XVIII, Fig. 2.) 

Ringbone is a bony enlargement, more or less prominent, situ- 
ated upon either the os sutfraginis or os coronse, and it may also 
involve the articular cartilages. 

C'at/ses.--— Blows, sprains, jumping, fast work on hard roads, 
and faulty conformation. 

Symptoms. — Lameness is usually the first symptom, and di- 
agnosis is assisted by palpation (feeling) and comparison of 
the two legs. The enlargement is hard, painless on pressure, 
and the skin covering is movable. 

(98) 



PLATE XVIII. 




Fig. 1, Sidebone. Fig. 2, Ringbone. Fig. 3, Bone spavin. Fig. 4, Splint. 



THE APvMY HORSE. 99 

Treatment. — The foot must be pared perfectly level and a 
blister applied to the enlargement and repeated in two weeks if 
necessary. Perfect rest and quietude for four to six weeks are 
essential, or no beneficial results can be expected. 

If the rest and blisters fail to remove the lameness firing may 
sometimes be resorted to. Puncture firing in two or three rows 
is often very elfectiye. After firing the seat of the injury 
should be blistered with biniodide of mercury, 1 to 5, and the 
animal kept quiet in a single stall for at least one month. 

BONE SPAVIN. 

(Plate XVni, Fig. 3.) 

Bone spavin is a disease involving the bones in the hock joint 
and is usually manifested in a bony enlargement, situated at 
the inner and lower part of the tarsus. 

Causes. — AVeakness, faulty conformation, severe strains, hard 
and rapid work, etc. 

Symptoms. — The appearance of this disease is usually ac- 
companied by lameness, which in the early stages of the disease 
is noticed only when the animal is first moved after a rest, and 
then the toe is generally placed upon the ground first. AATien 
standing, the animal often rests the diseased leg on the toe. 

The " spavin test " is sometimes useful in diagnosing spavin 
lameness. It consists in keeping the hock joint flexed for one 
or two minutes and then trotting the horse. If a spavin exists 
lameness is very marked. 

Treatment. — The treatment of bone spavin is the same as that 
prescribed for ringbone. 

SPLINTS. 

(Plato XVIII, Fig. 4.) 

Splints are bony enlargements, usually situated between the 
inner splint bone and the cannon bone, at their upper third. 
They occasionally occur on the outside of the hind leg. 

Causes. — Faulty action or unequal distribution of pressure in 
the knee may throw an excessive load on the inner small meta- 
carpal .and cause rupture of the tissue affixing the small to the 
large metacarpal. The irritation produces growth of bone. 

Symptoms. — Soreness may or may not be present; when the 
splint is painful the horse is lame. 

Treatnient. — If there is lameness give the animal absolute 
rest and apply a blister composed as follows: Biniodide of 



100 THE ARMY HORSE. 

mercury 1 dram, cosmoline 5 drams. Repeat in ten days if 
necessary. 

DETECTION OF LAMENESS. 

Severe lameness is readily recognized, even Avlien the animal 
is at rest. Distinct sj^mptoms, such as pointing or frequent 
raising of the affected limb, are noticed, the animal's instinct 
leading him to place the affected part in a position to relieve 
the pain. 

In making an examination for lameness, the animal, having 
free use of his head, should be led at a slow trot toward and 
from the observer. Too short a hold on the halter shank will 
prevent free play of all the muscles concerned in locomotion. 

If lame in one fore leg, the right one for instance, the head 
will nod (drop) more or less when he steps on the left fore leg, 
while the head jerks up at the moment the right leg (the lame 
one) is placed upon the ground. Hence, the head of the lame 
animal always nods when the sound leg is planted. 

Should there be lameness in both fore legs the action is stilty 
(stiff") ; the natural, elastic stride is wanting; the steps are 
shortened, and the feet kept close to the ground. Almost 
invariably the hind legs are picked up higher than normally; 
the shoulders appear stiff' and the head is carried rather high, 
while the lumbar region is arched. 

Lameness behind is detected by trotting the horse from the 
observer, the croup being the essential part to be watched, 
since it drops with the sound leg and rises with the lame one. 

If lame in both hind legs, the stride is shortened and awk- 
ward; the fore legs are kept back of the vertical line, and are 
apt to be raised higher than usual, while the head is lowered. 
Backing is difficult; it is almost impossible to keep the aniuial 
at a trot when he is lame in more than ()ne leg. 

Plorses lame in both fore or both hind legs show a waddling 
gait behind, often mistaken for lameness originating in the 
lumbar region. This peculiar motion is simpl}^ due to the fact 
that the hind legs are unduly advanced under the body for 
their own relief or that of the front legs. Close attention is to 
be paid to the animaFs action as he turns while being trotted 
to and from the observer, as at this moment — that is, while he 
turns — any hitch becomes visible; as, for instance, spavin or 
stringhalt lameness. 

Always place the lame leg in its natural position and inspect 
the various parts of the leg both with the hand and eye, com- 



THE ARMY HORSE. 101 

paring tliem ahvavs with the sound leg to find anatomical 
changes. 

In all cases examine the foot thoroughly and carefully. Heat, 
pain, and swelling are ahvays guides in the diagnosis of 
lameness. , 

All lameness is divided into two classes: Sivinging-leg 
lameness, Avhich is shown by a shortened stride and a more or 
less dragging of the leg; and supporting-leg lameness, which 
shows itself when the leg supports the weight of the body. The 
former is shown in diseased condition of the muscles. The 
latter is shown in disease of bone, tendons, ligaments, and the 
hoof. 



CHAPTER XII. 

« 

TROPICAL, DISEASES. 

SURRA. 

This disease is caused by the Trypanasoma Evansi^ an organ- 
ism which is a low form of animal life and is found in the 
blood of affected animals. It attacks and destroys the red 
blood cells, causing rapid loss of flesh and, sooner or later, 
death. It is claimed by some authorities that the disease 
originates from the use of water and grass from low lands. 

Symptoms. — Variable temperature, ranging from normal 
to 102° and even to 106° F. ; dullness; lack of vigor; sometimes 
SAvelling of the submaxillary hnnph glands; thin, watery dis- 
charge from the nostrils ; swelling of the sheath and legs, more 
frequently the hind ones (Plate XIX), and swelling along the 
belly ; these swellings pit on pressure. The mucous membrane 
of the ej^e, especially of the haw, shows dark-red spots 
(petechial spots) ; the urine is highly colored and is usually 
passed in large quantities; the bowels are constipated in the 
early stage, and profuse diarrhea occurs later. In chronic 
cases paralysis of the hind extremities takes place, the animal 
staggering when moved. The paralysis may later become com- 
plete and the horse will be unable to rise. In the acute type of 
the disease the animal dies in twelve or fifteen days, while in 
the chronic case he may linger for one or two months. The 
diagnosis is complete only when a microscopic examination of 
the blood discloses the parasite (Plate XX). As a rule, the 
parasite is seen only when the temperature is considerably 
elevated. 

Surra is always fatal, and as the danger to other animals is 
great on account of its highly contagious nature, all animals 
that have been proved to. have the parasite in the blood should 
be removed at once from contact with healthy stock and 
destroyed. The carcasses should be saturated with oil and 
burned. INIeasures to prevent the spread of the disease should 
always be enforced. When in a district infested with surra 
the temperature of horses should be taken regularly every 

(102) 



PLATE XIX. 




Surra: Characteristic swellings. 



PLATE XX. 




Surra parasite 



THE ARMY HOESE. 103 

two or three days. Any animal showing, without a known 
canse, a temperature of 102° F. should be isolated, and there- 
after blood examinations should be made and temperatures 
taken dail5^ As flies are known to be carriers of the surra 
parasite, great care should be exercised to remove and avoid 
any breeding places for these pests. If stables could be 
screened it would be a great advantage in surra outbreaks. 

EPIZOOTIC OR ULCERATIVE LY3IPHANGITIS. 

This peculiar tropical disease closely resembles glanders of 
the farcy form, so much so that the two might be easil}^ con- 
fused b}' a person uninformed on tropical diseases. In observ- 
ing epizootic lymphangitis the high fever and sudden loss of 
flesh and vigor are not seen as in tropical glanders. 

The disease in the early stage responds to treatment, but often 
requires months to effect a cure. It is caused by a fungus, 
called crytococcus^ and is contagious. 

Symptoms. — Small bunches or nodules, the size of a half 
dollar, may apj^ear upon the skin of any part of the body ; there 
\\\Q.y be one or many. They often appear in chains along the 
course of the lymphatics (1, Plate XXI) ; they may spread 
around an infected area into an irregular patch (2, Plate 
XXI), apparently not following the lymphatics; again, the 
disease may start with a hard, painful swelling in the region of 
the chest or shoulder, or between the fore legs, the swelling 
later softening in spots and forming the small abscesses. 

Ordinarily, the nodules soon soften and break upon the sur- 
face ; if not, they should be opened ; in either case they end in 
the typical ulcers of the disease. The small bunches or ab- 
scesses, when opened, contain a white, creamy pus; they do not 
respond readily to ordinary healing methods and persist after 
the most heroic measures have been adopted. In cases of long 
standing the ulcerations may extend over the greater part of the 
body, the limbs especially being covered with sores; there is 
usually great enlargement and thickening of the legs and the 
patient becomes badly emaciated (poor in flesh). In the ordi- 
nary case, however, the animal does not loose flesh and does not 
carry any marked fever. 

Treatment. — The treatment consists in opening the ulcers 
freely with a knife or cautery point heated to white heat, or, 
better still, if they are not too numerous, in dissecting them 
out entirely without opening the abscess wall. 



10-4: THE ARMY IIOESE. 

The dressings must be of a caustic nature, so as to destroy the 
cause of the disease; for instance, alcohol 4 ounces, salicylic 
acid 1 ounce, bichloride of mercury 2 drams; alternate this 
with a dressing made of equal parts of olive oil and creolin, or 
one made of tincture of iodine 2 ounces and tincture of iron 2 
ounces. Apply any of these dressings once daily and then use a 
dusting powder made of equal parts of iodoform and tannic 
acid. 

Care should be exercised to isolate the diseased animals and 
to thoroughly disinfect combs, brushes, blankets, halters, and 
such articles as may have come in contact with the diseased 
parts; for this purpose use a 1 to 20 solution of creolin or of 
carbolic acid. 

DHOBIE ITCH. 

This is a very troublesome skin disease peculiar to the tropics. 
It is contagious and caused by a fungus. 

Symj^toms. — Itching, the animal rubbing against the posts 
and sides of the stall ; small eruptions of the skin, which spread 
rapidly and discharge a thin, watery secretion, crusts forming- 
over the sores ; the hair falls out and the skin becomes thickened 
on account of the irritation. Often the skin of a large part 
of the surface of the body becomes infected with these sores, 
and ordinary healing washes have no beneficial action. The 
treatment, like that of epizootic lymphangitis, should be 
prompt and energetic, and. since both diseases are caused by a 
fungus, should be similar in nature. One of the most valuable 
remedies is made of equal parts of olive oil and creolin. which 
should be applied once daily after thoroughly washing the 
sores and removing the scabs. A mixture of alcohol G ounces 
and salicylic acid 1 ounce is of value and is applied daily. In 
the absence of alcohol, sulphuric ether may be substituted. 
Tincture of iodine often effects a cure. If the case is persist- 
.ent, cauterize the parts with pure carbolic acid and then apply 
alcohol after the acid has been on one minute. After cauteriz- 
ing use the olive oil and creolin dressing daily. 

On account of its contagious nature, all animals suffering 
from this disease should be isolated, and l)rushes, combs, 
blankets, etc., should be thoroughly disinfected with creolin or 
carbolic acid solution. 



The common diseases of temperate countries assume a more 
aggravated form in the tropics. Infectious diseases are more 



THE ARMY HOUSE. 105 

fatal and infected wounds heal more slo^yly. This is due to 
the lower vitality of the animal and to the hot and moist 
climate, which favors germ growth. - Pneumonia is almost 
always fatal in the Philippines. Canker and thrush are found 
in the most aggravated type. Periodic ophthalmia is very 
prevalent, resulting in manj^ animals becoming blind. Heat- 
stroke is a frequent occurrence, on account of the excessive 
heat and moisture, and is fatal in the majority of cases. The 
temperature in heatstroke frequently rises to 110° to 113° F. 
Glanders, which is very common, runs a rapid and fatal course. 
American horses rarely suffer from the chronic form of the 
disease often manifested in cooler climates. 

In the tropics, a careful daily inspection of the horses should 
be made and the temperature of every animal should be taken 
at least once a week. Any animal with a suspicious discharge 
from the nose or with sores upon the body indicating farcy 
buds, and any animal showing a rise of 2 degrees above normal 
temperature, should be isolated and kept under observation by 
a veterinarian. In case of an outbreak, temperatures should 
be taken daily. Normal temperature in the tropics is usually 
about 1 degree higher than in a cool climate, and it may rise as 
much as 4 degrees with exercise of a moderate nature. These 
facts should be taken into consideration in recording tempera- 
tures. 



CHAPTER XIII. 



MEDICINES; THEIR ACTION AND USES. 

Antis&ptics. — Remedies which arrest putrefaction. They 
kill or prevent the development of those bacteria "which pro- 
duce decomposition. 

Examples: Corros. sub., carbolic acid, creolin. 

Disinfectants. — Destroy the specific poisons of communi- 
cable diseases by killing or arresting the developmeilt of those 
germs which produce disease. 

Examples : Lime, sulphur gas, etc. 

Deodorants. — Disguise or destroy odors. 

Examples: Iron sulphate, carbolic acid, etc. 

Ruhejacients. — Cause redness of the skin. 

Examples : Alcohol, turpentine, etc. 

Vesicants. — Cause a discharge of serum from the skin. 

Example : Cantharicles. 

Stomachics. — Promote digestion. 

Examples: Gentian, ginger, etc. 

Vermicides. — Ki 11 worms. 

Examples : Turpentine, iron sulphate, etc. 

Vermifuges. — Remove intestinal worms by purgation. 

Parasiticides. — Destroy parasites. 

Examples : Carbolic acid, creolin, etc. 

Purgatives. — Evacuate the bowels. 

Examples: Aloes. 

Cholagogues. — Promote secretion of bile. 

Examples: Aloes, calomel. 

Diaphoretics. — Increase perspiration. 

Examples: Ethers. Same action produced mechanically by 
warm clothing. 

Diuretics. — Increase secretion or urine. 

Examples: Potass, nit., turpentine. 

Tonics. — Gradually but permanently improve appetite and 
increase vigor. 

Examples: Quinine, iron, gentian, etc. 

(106) 



THE AK3IY HORSE. 107 

Anesthetics. — Produce loss of consciousness. 

Example : Chloroform. 

Styptics. — Check hemorrhage. 

Example : Tmcture of iron. 

Canst ics. — Destroy tissue by burning. 

Examples : Lunar caustic, copper sulphate, etc. 

Ex2?ectorants. — Act upon the mucous membrane of the re- 
spiratory organs and cause an expulsion of their secretions. 

Example: Chloride of ammonia. 

Stimulants. — Promptly but temporarily increase nervous 
vigor, thus increasing action of the heart and other functions. 

Examples: Alcohol, ammonia, ether. 

Alteratives. — Correct morbid conditions without causing 
marked phj^siological effects. 

Examples : Mercury, iodine, iodide of potassium. 

Astringents. — Contract living tissues. 

Examples : Alum, zinc sulphate, tannic acid. 

Sedatives. — Depress (slow) both the nervous and circulatory 
systems. 

Examples: Aconite, acetanilid, potas. bromide. 

Anodynes. — Relieve pain by diminishing the excitability of 
nerves and nerve centers. 

Examples: Opium, belladonna. 

Antispasmodics. — Prevent or remove spasmodic contractions 
of voluntary or involuntary muscles. 

Examples : Belladonna, sulphuric ether. 

Carminatives. — Aid in the expulsion of gas from the intes- 
tines by increasing natural movement, stimulating circulation, 
etc. 

Examples: Capsicum, ginger, aromatic spts. ammonia, sul- 
phuric ether, etc. 

Fehrifuges or antipyretics. — Agents which reduce high tem- 
perature of the blood ; reduce fever. 

Examples : Acetanilid. cold water. 

VETERIXARY MEDICINES. 

Acetanilid. — Is a febrifuge and antiseptic. Used internally 
to lower fever in doses of from 1 to 4 drams. Used externally 
as an antiseptic in the form of a dry dressing. 

Acid, arseniovs (arsenic). — Is an irritant, corrosive poison, 
given internally in doses of from 1 to G grains as a digestive 



108 THE AKMY HORSE. 

tonic, and for skin diseases, usually in combination with iron 
sulj^liate and gentian. Externalh' it is used to remove Tvarts, 
in the form of an ointment, 1 part of arsenic to 8 or 10 of 
lard. 

Acid, horacic. — Action, antiseptic; a saturated solution is 
very useful in conjunctivitis. With oxide of zinc it makes a 
ver}^ nice dressing for abrasions, scratches, etc. 

Acid, carholic. — A valuable antiseptic and disinfectant. A 
1 to 20 solution makes a very good wash for all wounds. A 
very good prescription for local use is the following : 
Carbolic acid, 6 drams. 
Glycerin, \\ ounces. 
Water to make 1 pint. 
Acid, salicylic. — A useful antiseptic; a saturated solution of 
salicylic acid in alcohol is a good dressing for indolent sores 
and ulcers. 

Salicylic acid dusted upon a wound will remove the granula- 
tions of proud flesh. 

Acid, tannic. — An astringent and antiseptic. It is given 
internally in diarrhea and dysentery. Dose, 30 grains to 1 
dram. 

The following prescription may be used : 
Acid, tannic, \ to 1 dram. 
Opium, powdered, \ to 1 dram. 
Make into one ball and repeat every two hours until the 
diarrhea is checked. 

Tannic acid is an excellent remedy, used in the form of a 
saturated solution (with witch-hazel water), for hai'dening 
tender shoulders. 

Aconite. — Is a dangerous i^oison and should not be used in- 
ternally, but locall}^ Mixed with other drugs it makes a good 
anodyne liniment. 

Aconite, 2 ounces. 
Alcohol, 5 ounces. 
Opium, tincture, 4 ounces. 
Witch-hazel, distilled, 5 ounces. 
Mix, and apply several times daily. 

Alcohol. — Stimulant. Given for weak heart in debilitating 
diseases, such as lung troubles, etc. Dose, 2 to 4 ounces in 1 
pint of water, and repeated every four to six hours, as required. 
It is useful in the formation of liniments. 



THE ARMY HORSE. 109 

Aloes, Barbados. — Is the general purgative for the horse. 
Dose, G to 8 drams. 

Aloes, Barbados, 6 to 8 drams. 
Ginger, 1 dram. 

Make into a ball and give upon an empty stomach. 

The " cathartic capsule," to be supplied, will take the place 
of aloes. It will contain aloin, strychnine, ginger, and calomel. 

A purgative should never be given in diseases of the respira- 
tory system. 

It generally takes about twenty-four hours to operate. 

Alum. — Astringent. It is useful as a wash for sore mouths; 
used in the strength of | ounce to 1 quart of water. Externally 
it is a valuable remedy in the treatment of thrush. Burnt alum 
is useful for the removal of proud flesh. 

Ammonia, aroniatic spirits of. — Stimulant and carminative. 
A very useful remedy in the treatment of colics, and exhaustion. 
Dose, 1 to 3 ounces, well diluted. 

Ammonia, solution of. — Used externalh^ only, in combination 
Avith other drugs, as a stimulating liniment. 
Ammonia, solution of, 1 part. 
Turpentine, oil of, 1 part. 
Olive oil, 2 parts. 

To be well shaken before using. It is an excellent external 
application for sore throat. 

Ammonia, chloride of. — Used in all cases where an expecto- 
rant is indicated, such as diseases of the respiratory system. 
Dose, 1 to 4 drams. For catarrhal diseases it is usually com- 
bined w^ith quinine and nitrate of potash, prepared in the fol- 
lowing manner: 

Ammonia, chloride of, 3 ounces. 
Quinine sulphate, 6 drams. 
Nitrate of potash, 3 ounces. 

Make into twelve powders and give one every three or four 
hours. 

Belladonna, fluid, extract. — Antispasmodic and anodyne. 
Used in cases of colic in conjunction with other medicines. 
Dose, 1 to 2 drams. 

When applied to the eyes it dilates the pupil and soothes the 
irritated membrane. Generally used in combination with sul- 
phate of zinc or boracic-acid solutions. 



110 THE AinCY nOESE. 

A very useful wash for the treatment of conjunctivitis is 
made as follows : 

Sulphate of zinc. 20 grains. 
Belladonna, fld. ext., 1 dram. 
Water, 3^ ounces. 
Apply twice a day. 

Camphor, gum. — Antispasmodic and antiseptic. Dose, 1 to 2 
drams. A very good remedy for diarrhea is made as follows: 
Camphor, gum, 1 dram. 
Opium, powdered, 1 dram. 
Make into a ball; give, and repeat every two hours until 
relief is afforded. 

Externally it is useful for sprains, combined with other medi- 
cines, forming what is known as the soap liniment. 
Castile soap, 10 parts. 
Camphor, 5 parts. 
Alcohol, TO parts. 
Water, 15 parts. 
To be used only externally as a mild, stimulating, anodyne 
liniment. 

A useful dressing for wounds is made of gum camphor, 8 
ounces, carbolic acid, 3 ounces. This is especially valuable in 
fly time. 

Cannabis hidica (Indian hemp). — Antispasmodic and ano- 
dyne. Its main use is in colic, as it relieves pain without caus- 
ing constipation. Dose, 2 to 1 drams. 
Cannabis indica, 2 to 1 drams. 
Ammonia, aromatic spirits, 1 ounce. 
Water, 1 pint. 
Give at one dose and repeat in three-quarters of an hour if 
necessary. This is an excellent remedy for colic. 

Cantharkles, powdered (Spanish fly). — Used only for its 
blistering eifect. Prepare by rubbing the cantharides and 
cosmoline together (1 to 5 or 0) with a spatula on a piece of 
glass. 

Capsicum, (caj^enne pepper). — Stomachic and carminative. 
Given internally in combination with gentian and ginger in 
mild cases of indigestion attended with flatulency. Dose, h 
to 1 dram. 

Charcoal. — A mild antiseptic and deodorant. It is very 
good mixed Avith j^oultices. especially for wounds and sores that 
have a foul odor. It mav be dusted on the surface of foul 



THE ARMY HORSE. Ill 

sores and will soon destroy the odor. Internally it is given in 
doses of 2 to 4 drams, and is useful in chronic indigestion and 
diarrhea. 

Cojyper si/Iphafe (blue yitriol, bluestone). — A caustic tonic, 
yerniifuge, and astringent. Used principally as a caustic for 
thrush and canker. A good remedy for thrush or canker is 
equal parts of sulphate of copper (powdered), sulphate of 
zinc, and sulphate of iron: '''The three sulphates." This 
po^vder can be applied two or three times dail}^ Used also 
internally as a tonic in chronic nasal catarrh. Dose, 1 to •! 
drams. 

Collodion. — AA^ien painted oyer wounds it forms an air-tight 
coating and in small wounds keeps the edges in a fixed position 
and promotes healing. Especially yaluable when applied to 
punctured wounds of joints. 

ChloToforin. — Antispasmodic, stimulant, and anodyne. Use- 
ful in colics. Dose, 1 to 2 drams, well diluted. It vascy be 
added to anodyne liniments. "When inhaled, it acts as an 
anesthetic. 

Cosmoline. — A by-product of petroleum. Used as a base for 
ointments. It is also yaluable to apply upon the skin, when 
wound secretions are abundant, to preyent dropping out of 
the hair. 

Creolin. — A nonpoisonous, nonirritating antiseptic and para- 
siticide. It is one of the best medicines that we haye, not only 
as a yaluable application for all wounds, but to destroy all 
parasites with which the animal may become infested. 

Used in solution or ointment in a strength of 1 to 50 or 1 to 
20. For mange it is used in a 1 to 10 solution. 

Digitalis^ -fluid extract of. — A yery dangerous poison, and 
should not be administered internally. A yaluable diuretic 
when applied oyer the kidneys and well rubbed in. 

Ether, nitrons, spirits of (sweet spirits of niter). — Stimu- 
lant, antispasmodic, diuretic, and diaphoretic. Dose, 1 to 2 
ounces. 

A \QV\ useful stimulant in all cases of weakness of the heart 
action. For its stimulating and antispasmodic actions it is 
giyen in colics combined with belladonna or cannabis indica. 

Ether., sulphuric. — Stimulant, antispasmodic, and carmina- 
tiye. Dose, 1 to 2 ounces well diluted. 

Combined with belladonna or cannabis indica its antispas- 
modic action is increased. 



112 THE ARMY HORSE. 

Fenugreek. — Aromatic and stomachic. Sometimes combined 
with tonics to disguise their od^rs. Dose, 1 ounce. 

Flaxseed meal.- — Used for poultices. 

Gentian. — Stomachic and bitter tonic. It improves the 
appetite and general tone. Dose, ^ to 1 ounce. 

Ginger. — Stomachic and carminative. Combined with pur- 
gatives it dimishes their tendency to gripe, and also somewhat 
hastens their action. Dose, ^ to 1 ounce. 

Glycerin. — Used as a base in the same manner as cosmoline. 
Useful, combined with equal parts of iodine, in the treatment 
of grease. 

Iodine. — Given internally in diabetes insipidus. Dose, 20 
grains to 1 dram, to be repeated three times daily until the 
quantity of urine is lessened. Best given made into a ball with 
flaxseed meal. 

Externally it is used for the removal of swellings, curbs, en- 
larged tendons, etc. It is also a useful stimulant for indolent 
sores and ulcers. A good solution for external use is made as 
follows : 

Iodine, 1 ounce. 

Iodide of potassium, 3 ounces. 

Water, 1 pint. 

To be applied several times daily. 

Tincture of iodine is made of iodine, 1 ounce; alcohol, 1 
pint. 

Iodoform. — Antiseptic. Used externally as a dry dressing, 
either alone or combined Avith other drugs, such as boracic acid, 
acetanilid. etc. 

Iron, tincture of the chloride of. — A valuable tonic, building 
up the system and enriching the blood. Useful in purpura 
and in convalescence after all debilitating diseases. Dose, 1 
to 2 ounces, well diluted. 

Used externally as an astringent and styptic in serious hem- 
orrhages. A small piece of cotton saturated Avith it and ap- 
plied to the bleeding part is the proper mode of application. 

/row, sulphate of (Ferrisulphate). — Tonic. It increases the 
appetite and builds up the system. Dose, ^ to 1 dram. Fre- 
quentlj^ combined with nux vomica, etc. 

Lanolin. — Used as a base for ointments in the same manner 
as cosmoline. 

Lead, acetate of. — Astringent and a valuable remedy for re- 
lieving local pain. Used externally to cool and relicA'e sprains. 



THE ARMY HORSE. 113 

inflamed tendons and joints, and to relieve itching skin dis- 
eases. 

The white lotion is made as follows : 
Acetate of lead, 1 ounce. 
Sulphate of zinc, 1 ounce. 
Water, 1 quart. 
Shake well and apply several times daily. 
The lotion is a very valuable remedy for the relief of all 
external diseases accompanied by heat and swelling; also an 
excellent dressing for wounds. 

Lime^ chloride of. — This is the best disinfectant that we have. 
Four ounces to 1 gallon of water is the proper strength. This 
solution should be used as a wash for the disinfection of stables. 
A small portion of choride of lime placed around in stables will 
destroy the odor arising from decomposed urine. 

Lunar caustic. — Used for the removal of warts and proud 
flesh. Four grains to 1 ounce of water make a good applica- 
tion for the removal of the cloudiness remaining after an attack 
of ophthalmia. 

Mercury^ hichloride of (corrosive sublimate; antiseptic tab- 
lets). — Dissolved in water' this is the most energetic antiseptic; 
1 to 1,000 solution is the proper strength to use in the treat- 
ment of all wounds. Two tablets to a quart of water give this 
strength ; if the bichloride is in bulk, use 15 grains to a quart 
of water, and add 15 grains of chloride of ammonia to insure 
complete dissolution. 

Mercury .f mild chloride (calomel). — Internally, a chola- 
gogue. Dose, ^ to 2 drams. It is not used alone, but is com- 
bined with aloes. 

Calomel, 1 dram. 
Barbados aloes, 1 drams. 
Ginger, 1 dram. 
Water to make a ball. 
Externally, antiseptic and drying. Used in the treatment of 
ulcers and thrush. 

Mercury., hiniodide. — Used as a blister; its effects are very 
penetrating. Used principally in the treatment of spavins, 
splints, sidebones, ringbones, and all bony enlargements. 
Biniodide of mercury, 1 part. 
Cosmoline, 5 to 6 parts. 
Mix and rub together thoroughly. 
Apply with friction for at least ten minutes. 



114 THE AR3[Y HORSE, 

Nux voimca^ jyov^dered. — A nerve stimulant and tonic. Dose, 
^ to 1 dram. It is a very useful tonic in building up the tone of 
the system in convalescence from debilitating- diseases and 
general lack of vitality. Generally given in combination with 
gentian, iron, and other tonics. 

Oil, linseed. — Laxative (mild purgatiAe). Dose, | to 1 quart. 
Do not use boiled oil. 

Oil, ollre.- — Generally used as a vehicle in making liniments 
and oily solutions. 

Oil of tar (pine tar). — Useful for plugging holes and cavi- 
ties in the hoof after all suppuration has ceased. 

Oil of tiirpenti7ie. — Diuretic, stimulant, antispasmodic, ver- 
mifuge, and expectorant. Dose, 1 to 3 ounces diluted with oil. 

Externally it is used in the formation of liniments (see Solu- 
tion of Ammonia). 

Opium, tincture of (laudanum). — Anodyne, antispasmodic. 
Checks secretion of mucous membrane. On account of these 
properties it is a valuable remedy in diarrhea and dysentery. 

Very useful in the treatment of all abdominal pain Avhere 
there are no symptoms of constipation, but as a rule belladonna 
and cannabis indica are preferable. Dose, 1 to 2 ounces. 

Externally, opium tincture is used to relieve pain of sprains 
and bruises. 

A very good anodyne lotion is made as follows : 
Opium tincture, 4 ounces. 
Acetate of lead, 2 ounces. 
Water to make 1 quart. 

AiDply every few hours. 

Opium, powdered. — Not used externally. It is used inter- 
nally for the same purpose as the tincture. Dose, | lo 2 drams. 

Potassium' hromide. — Nerve sedative. Dose, | to 2 ounces. 
In tetanus this medicine can be given in large doses. 

Potassium nitrate (saltpeter). — Alterative, febrifuge, and 
diuretic. Dose, 1 to 4 drams. In the treatment of laminitis the 
dose is 2 to 4 ounces, repeated three times a day. Externally it 
makes a good cooling lotion : 

Nitrate potassium (saltpeter), 5 ounces. 
Chloride of ammonia, 5 ounces. 
Water 10 ounces. 

Mix and keep the alt'ected parts saturated with this lotion. 



THE AllMY IIOKSE. 115 

Internalh', saltpeter is a most excellent medicine in the treat- 
ment of catarrhal and febrile diseases. It is also nseful in the 
treatment of swollen less. 

Potassium iodide. — Alterative, diuretic, and expectorant. 
Dose, 2 to 1 drams. It is given to promote absorption of 
enlargements, such as enlarged glands in lymphangitis, and in 
partial paralysis resulting from injury to the brain or spinal 
cord. 

For such purposes full doses are given twice a day for two 
weeks. 

Potassium j^ci-inanganate.—DisiniQctawt and deodorant. 
Useful for the removal of foul odors arising from unhealthy 
wounds ; also for cleaning hands and instruments. From 1 to 4 
drams, water 1 pint, is the proper strength of the solution for 
use. 

Quinine, sulphate (;/.— Tonic, stomachic, antiseptic, and mild 
febrifuge. Dose, ^ to 1 dram, repeated three times a day. It is 
given in all febrile and debilitating diseases. Combined with 
sulphate of iron it is very useful in purpura. In influenza and 
pneumonia it is generally combined with gentian and nitrate of 
potash, made into powders in the f olloAving proportions : 
Quinine sulphate, 1 ounce. 
Gentian, 3 ounces. 
Make twelve powders and give three times a day. 
xSa/o?.— Antiseptic. Used internally and externally for its 
antiseptic properties. Dose, 2 to 4 drams. 

Sodium hicarhonate. — Carminative, stomachic, relieves 
acidity of the stomach. Dose, 1 to 2 drams. This is an excel- 
lent medicine in chronic indigestion and flatulenc}^ 

^Si^Zp/i?/;'.— Parasiticide. This medicine may be used for the 
treatment of mange, but it is inferior to creolin or carbolic acid. 
^yitch-hasel.—X. cooling astringent wash, very useful when 
combined with other medicines in the form of liniments. 

7Anc sulphate.— ExiQvn^Wy it is much used as a caustic and 
astringent for wounds, foul ulcers, etc. It is an excellent 
remedy for the treatment of thrush and canker. 

Sulphate of zinc 1 

Sulphate of copper. ^Equal parts. 
Sulphate of iron J 



116 THE AR3[Y HOKSE. 

Zinc oxide. — Antiseptic. Used either as a dry powder dusted 
on the wounds or can be made into an ointment with lanolin: 
Zinc oxide, 1 part. , 

Lanolin, 6 jDarts. 
Zinc chloride. — An irritant and corrosive poison, never given 
internally. Externally it is applied as a stimulant, astringent, 
caustic, and parasiticide. It is also used as an antiseptic, disin- 
fectant, and deodorant. From 2 to 4 drams to the pint of water 
are used for ordinary antiseptic purposes. 



I 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



002 848 1 



76 7 



^fc^ 




s^^ 




